It's really not that inconsistent if you know how damage is calculated. Dogfights have always favored the attacker, even when outnumbered. Only thing that's inconsistence is the victory type, but that's intentional rng.
Anyways, I agree with what other people are saying. Airstrikes/dogfights are a joke. Look at what ground battles can do in comparison:
Destroy more tanks. Destroy more planes. Costs less maps. Costs less munitions/gas. Loot from ground battles. More cost effective infra damage.
Also, contrary to popular opinion, soldiers are the best unit in the game (not tanks). I don't agree with the change that made them take less damage in ground battles. They're immortal.