Bf-110 is THE fighter

[bongodriver]

That was because they were throttled back, by order, to escort the bombers. The 110 lacked the acceleration of the single-engined planes and was a sitting duck against enemy fighters as a result of the throttling back.

But when given license to roam they were quite formidable, at least against the Hurricane.

not fully convinced by that, they would have all the free licence they wanted if being attacked, from what I read they just couldn't defend themselves let alone the bombers, an escort fighter doesn't just keep formation with the bombers, they break off and fight when the formations are attacked.