As a very dedicated P40 flier I have to concur with your observation.
The P 40 has a glass jaw engine damage model, and always has, ditto the one hit damage to control functions. It is very perplexing, as other less robust allied fighters (Spitfire and Yaks, for example) do not show this.
This has been brought up many times over the years, so now I expect that:
A: The "learn to fly" excuse will be used as it often is.
B: Someone with knowledge of the DM will point out that some critical part of the engine, and or flight control system, has a big red target painted on it, or has a magic bullet magnet installed as original equipment.
C: Pilot accounts cannot be taken at face value as we all know that the men that actually went in to combat with these aircraft were just kids and knew nothing about their mounts.
D: Nothing will change.
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Personally speaking, the P-40 could contend on an equal footing with all the types of Messerschmitts, almost to the end of 1943.
~Nikolay Gerasimovitch Golodnikov
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