This is what usually happens in an attack from a P-47/Fw-190/P-51

[Laurwin]

In full real battle, I think it also comes into identifying target positively

I mean, for sure, you can make the diving pass, but you can't realistically fire from too far away.

If you're really good at silhouette identification I suppose you can ID from farther away based on simply shape of bogey.

But I prefer to go to about 1km, you can see some decals and details at that kind of ranges?

For me, about 200-300m has been good firing range

Firing at shorter ranges / medium ranges allows less shooting time. BUT you usually get better target picture and it allows you to sort of concentrate on vulnerable areas of enemy plane better. Or so I feel at least personally.