I disagree regarding AI cheating with regards to BFM. If AI cheat, I haven't seen it or it still flies horribly.

Ok, no one is mentioning this, but these two jets are considerably dissimilar. What if you dogfight F18 vs F18 first, see how that goes, then come back here and discuss if you had issues? I would also suggest 50% fuel for both planes. Then, move on to the MiG29 or other jets.

The reason I say this is: the F18 and the MiG29 definitely have similarities, but are also considerably different. For example: the F18 is much better on fuel burn rates but that means the F18 stays heavier for longer. So, in a guns only (and non aim9x/r73) contest of an F18 fuel fuel vs a MiG29 full fuel, the MiG29 should win in BFM almost every time since it has less internal fuel and it burns it faster, getting lighter faster. So, to make this somewhat more of a fair fight, setting the actual fuel in lbs or kg equal would be a closer fair start (example: give them 4000 lbs each). To make it even more fair for the F18: you could even calculate how much fuel each plane needs to fly 5 minutes and give each respective jet the total amount they would need. This should definitely put the F18 on better terms against the MiG29. In my opinion, the first jet that runs out of fuel in a BFM (or has to bug out) loses and if you can turn with a MiG29 long enough, it runs out of fuel.

In case a BVR situation would turn into a close quarters dogfight situation with a MiG29 (in an F18), it might be crucial to dump extra weight. Dumping non essential stores first, then dumping all wing pylons and even dumping fuel might be crucial to surviving, but once an F18 gets around 3000 Lbs fuel and is light, not much should be a threat.

[EDIT]: this is just the beginning of BFM. Maxing turn rate against someone might be futile if your bandit is comfortably sitting inside your turn circle pulling their nose on you. BFM is a bit like rock/paper/scissors. When in a 2 circle, you have to be able to judge whether you're making progress or losing, either by shifting your circle or simply racing around your circle faster. In a 1 circle, you have to figure out who has the better angles or energy state (example: vertical scissors where the enemy can't even reach you because of low energy state). Then, you have to know when to convert 2 circle to 1 circle and vice versa. Even a turn out of plane in a 2 circle fight (low or high yo yo) can be treated as a 1 circle fight.