Bf-110 is THE fighter

[David Hayward]

Originally Posted by Blue 5

The rationale behind the 110s being used as close support was to free up 109s for less constrained escort.

Which means the Germans already realized that the 110 was a pig. They were hoping that very few Brits would get past the 109s, and that the 110s would be able to handle those which did. Had the Germans thought the 110s could take on Spitfires and Hurricanes on equal terms they would not have hid them behind the 109s.