Remember, it was the weak Sherman that killed the mighty King Tiger.
With what ? died laughing ?
The Buffalo, I believe, got the "garbage" image because it was used in limited numbers, outnumbered and outclassed by Japanese aircraft of the period, and the pilots who flew it had been accustomed to nimble little biplane fighters.. In the hands of Finnish pilots though, they used it skillfully and to great effect. Even though still outnumbered by the USSR aircraft, they managed to work with the Buffaloes advantages rather than its faults, if that makes any sense. The Finns took a marginal aircraft and turned it into something greater through skill and daring. I have always loved the Buffalo.
F2A was a good fighter, in good hands. Early in to war he was still moder but like all US planes he was outclassed by Japs fighters in terms of maneuverability. Fins show us how you can fly a fighter ... but they was flaying against soviets, it is like shooting to fish in the barrel.
I always like early Fiat Falco, Italians know how to build fighters, in the end they design Macchi C.202 and 205. Small in numbers but just awesome planes.