The P-51D Conundrum

[Smidlee]

I was wondering the same thing.
These post would be a complete joke if someone suggested the same thing in BoP:
Someone asked what would be the best beginner online plane 5 years ago and someone posted

... I think the P-51 is your best bet as it performs well and handles well, yet it will be out-climbed by other planes and it doesn't hold its energy as well as some planes. You will still be very competitive but the characteristics of the plane will also help teach you many important aspects of aerial combat (like gaining altitude whenever possible, not turning too tightly as to bleed your energy, etc.). Flying a plane that simply turns really well (Zero, I-153, etc.) won't really improve your skills much either, the most effective people in good turning planes are the ones who understand the other aspects as well.

I would give the Mustang a try. Just my opinion.

Here another reply

Probably the P-51, very forgiving handling and great overall performance.

There isn't nothing forgiving about P-51 in BoP