Fluffy

There is a fine line between realism and god-mode mechanics. Otherwise, why not just have nuclear-tipped cruise missiles that we can lob across continent, with zero risk and 99% hit rate? I mean, it's realistic, right? Instead of having mission designers jump through hoops to fix god-weapons and dumb AI, why not just let them adjust RC values? There is no harm in it and servers that want more realism can stick to defaults, while others can balance weapons according to their own needs.

Sounds like you are over-correcting. I use sharp input in opposite direction to mitigate severe oscillations. From there - gentle incremental input stopping 30-20% short of level flight. That usually does the trick, combined with some rudder input. It's all about muscle memory - once you get it, you "getit".

1-2% is a difference between VTOL and no-VTOL at close to max VTOL weight. Rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

I am not sure how things were a year ago when it comes to Harrier, but over the last 2 months (2-3hrs of play per day) I've had no issues executing bombing runs CCRP or CCIP in multiplayer. I have not had issues with laser guidance/designation or pop-up mav attacks. I have not encountered any TGP issues. However, I could not get tv-mavs to work and sidearms are glitchy at times. But these were the only two issues I've encountered in the last 2 months and they were hardly game-breaking, more of a nuisance. So saying "bugs are all over the place, making it hard to perform even basic functions" is a bit of a stretch, at least from my personal experience with the module. Or maybe I am just a rare exception and others' mileage may vary.

Sounds like Harrier might be your cup of English tea (to be read with a British accent). It is a fast ground attack aircraft that can hold its own in a2a battle. And it is only going to get better. VTOL and ability to refuel / rearm with engine running means minimal downtime between flights. Startup procedure is short so it literally takes 30 seconds to go from cold/empty aircraft to flying with CAP / light CAS load. And it can take a pounding just like A-10. Can't fly with a wing missing though, but nobody is perfect. On a downside, wings tend to snap off during high-G maneuvers and VTOL has a bit of a learning curve. Some bugs are present (early release) but nothing game breaking. But other than that - think of it as cross between A-10/F-18/UH-1H.