Some time ago TK got complaints that the game lacked action, that too many MiG flights do not react at all if jumped,
flying on like nothing is happening at all
So TK deactivated all the VisualBlindArc and VisualRestrictedArc setting in the DetectSystem section.
That is the reason for the aggressive AI since late 2009 or so ... if AI is inside the VisibleDistance , they see you all the time, no matter where you are.
Thats why those MiG-17 are so "uber" now, turning their socks off ...
Before that change, you could maneuver into the blind zone, even with a F-4 , AI lost sight and then the weaker AI pilots made the usual things in such a situation, reversing roll etc.. which allowed you to zap them.
But not anymore ...
What still works is the weak AI in a vertical fight, you can use that to your advantage
They zoom up with you but are prone to stall around 30k or so, if done right you can drop in behind them