Speed will help you keep your streamer, but it is your tactics that will make you a winner. It is all about the wait. If you have a strong .25 like a OS FX you will be fine. Although,there is a guy here that uses LA's and does very well. Try to keep it light.
What are other flying? If you are new to combat it is always best to fly what others are flying, they can help you. Everyone will help, because our goal is to have a "steamer rich environment". If you are sitting out then we can't take your streamer.