Did some more testing...or rather flying, still the same issue.
Dogfighting in 1917, the Camel and the SPAD VII outclass the Alb III and V, resulting in allied victories most times. I think part of the issue is that the AI has a problem flying the german planes to their full advantage.
The AI is very good, but like most AIs, its preferred tactic is the turn fight. The german planes are better for boom and zoom and fighting in the vertical. When the AI in an Alb gets into a turn fight, it is at a big disadvantage, especially against the camel.
I just started the 1917 campaign, shot down two planes, but lost all 3 planes in my flight. I may have to adopt Richtoffen's strategy and make sure I always have numerical superiority...