Smug Question, but a question never the less.

[Smidlee]

I've never read or seen anywhere the P-51 handle as badly as it is in the game. You can learn everything there is to know about the P-51 including fly a real one and it still handles like crap in this game. Besides, any knowledge I gain about WW2 planes doesn't help me one bit in real life.
When it comes down to it to some it's just a game. I know I wouldn't use the same tactic in real life as I have in a FPS.

This game (especially the PC version) has a very steep learning curve. Because of this I think it's better to stick with one or two planes until you learn how to knock down planes. I totally disagree with you that a novice should try to learn the characteristic of every plane as I have no doubt there some players can take the P-51 and shoot me down no matter what I fly. One of the things that discourages me from playing online PC IL-2 a few years ago was there were so many good players who has played IL-2 for years. Some seem to be able to kill the pilot with a few shoots.