Admittedly, it's early days yet, but please consider more accurate damage models for aircraft.
Currently, IL2's system for figuring damage isn't as realistic as it could be. In particular, the way that IL2 models bullet hits to fuel tanks is somewhat incorrect. (Tanks are assumed to be entirely full of fuel regardless of fuel state. Fuel tank hits are assumed to be at the bottom of the tank. Bullets aren't slowed by punching through liquid fuel. CO2-based fire suppression systems aren't properly modeled. Self-sealing fuel tanks' ability to prevent fires and leaks is underestimated.)
IL2 doesn't model hits to electrical systems, hydraulics, radios/avionics, wheels (no flat tires or explosive blow-outs), fuel transfer systems, oxygen systems, engine boost systems, or turbochargers/superchargers. It doesn't always model hits to oil, hydraulic fluid, and coolant systems adequately. It simplifies hits to guns and ammunition, and to air crew.