how to get the best out of an aircraft?

[DKoor]

It boils down to; don't twitch with P-51, fly fast.
Use less prop pitch in dives because it helps cooling the engine and you lose nothing in performance.

Many aircraft will outfly you at low speed.

Just about none will if you fly fast.

For PTO US airmen had employed/learned this gospel: never go below 250mph .
It really works!