Just randomly searching forums, so a bit late to reply on this, but for a realistic feel I use the weapon hold ROE for the AI, then set weapon free at a random waypoint.
Pretty nice to fly alongside an A-50 flanked by a couple of Su33s that ignore you completely whilst you get in close, take a few pictures, flip the bird or whatever.
Then suddenly they turn on you, never know if they will…or not at all !
Even more realism, weapon free if you damage one, or enter enemy airspace.