[BadAim]

The one thing you are least likely to find here is disrespect for any armed forces, JRock. (although it's not unheard of) What you will find is a large proportion of inactive/retired military, and even some active, and most of the rest are students of military history. We understand the love you have for the guys that you have laid your life down for and who have done the same for you (even if not first hand). Don't let a misunderstood joke put you off from a place where you are very likely to be understood. (I'm not even sure I get what I just said.......)

Now, back on topic, Just a few personal pointers on your gameplay;

You are going to be essentially learning how to fly an airplane with this game, so cut yourself a lot of slack before you even start, it's not easy. (especially if your going to run maxed out settings). If you have time, try to learn about the real aircraft that are represented in IL2, say for instance you're going to start a campaign where you are going to fly the F4F Wildcat, then get your Google on and learn as much as you can about how the real one was flown.

As for the 'catching up' problem, don't just put your gunsight on the AI, that's not how prop planes fly, they simply don't have the power. You are going to have to 'keep your nose down' and let the plane fly up to them at something near 'best climb'. While best climb varies from plane to plane, 280-300 kph is a good rule of thumb. In dealing with the AI's tendency to run away from you, you might actually want to drop your nose even further to get your speed up to maybe 350kph or so, you'll soon find yourself catching up.

BTW, I think the idea of using birdshot to make your point before "sawing" the car in half, is actually above and beyond. Props.