Ha! Interesting questions Padre. To answer one of them on games when there are brother wolves on the red side my decision to shoot them is generally based on when they entered the game vs. when I entered. If they enter a game I am already in and do not switch I will likely go for them first.
It is pretty rare I enter a game with WP members when I don't switch sides to join them, thus the basis for my decision on that. Otherwise the most lethal opponent should be the target.
Regarding dropping I am a silent (mostly) dropping opponent, unless you are outnumbered. In that event all bets are off, fly to win and defend your hangars/ship! Nothing worse for me that dropping and successfully defending my base and then have to fly around bomb-less. No sense of purpose you know. My plane is fast and when I drop one bomb I often get accused of dropping both but as a general rule I am usually carrying ordinance. Mostly for feeling silly without a sense of purpose, if that makes sense.
Regarding your ability there is a WP tactics guide that is being written which will provide tips for flying, fighting, and winning. I have learned a lot recently and have done a few re-writes of the manual to reflect some new tactics. Most are for team flying but I have been working on adding stuff for solo ACM's that should help. Kinda basic because there are only two available flight control surfaces (pitch and roll, no yaw) but effective as I am finding out.
Digger that should be to your inbox shortly.