Havent read all of the thread, and I dont have a favourite pilot yet - seen many good ones in terms of flying, positioning and getting into the right positions - sure. This dont neccessarily make a good pilot to me. Im not a high level myself and havent flown more than 250-300 games as a pilot.
The pilot to me is the commander, and that involves alot more than just flying - at least in my book.
Communication - He needs to be able to lead, think ahead and make his crew aware of what he is planning to have them ready at the right guns at the right time, with the right ammo. To be very clear about orders so the crew dont have to guess what he is doing. Also the Communication with friendly captains are of great importance, a level 45 captain wont win a 2v2 alone every day of the weak unless he cooperates. Mic is essential.
Prematch planning - checking enemy loadouts and ships, be flexible and adapt to what they have and and make sure his crew and ally has the setup to match it.
Decisionmaking - in the heat of the battle the ability to make the right decisions is crucial, who to focus fire on, when and how to engage, when to focus repairs, when to sacrifice his ship for the team, when to pull back. Seen good flyers fail in this departement, sweetly flying into the wrong situation is not gonna make u a good commander.
Thats a few of my Points and my 50 cents on the matter.
Btw - whats a good win ratio for a pilot?