The experimenting part is probably what I've found to be most vital. For example, with the starting strike fighter, you get the defensive maneuver to do a 180 degree turn. which is useful if someone has a missile lock on you, but it doesn't really help you get into a position to counterattack or go on the offensive (you get a small window potentially, but not much). However, Retro thrusters shoot you backwards and still break missile locks, meaning that they can be incredibly useful in dogfights when you just can't shake an enemy off your tail. (just throw it in reverse and BAM you're now on the offensive).
There are many other components I've found that can be used in more than one way to benefit you in a fight, and experimenting to find the right balance is perhaps the most critical thing I've found