Regarding the plaps, I did not use them much in my P-47 because I found out I could land this plane in much smoother and easier without them. However, my P-47 was light, under 8 lbs. It would slow down very nicely to a slow speed before stalling. A heavy airplane would be different. I used them on sloooow fly bys more than during landing.

I found out the benefits of flaps just were not needed here. I could walk the plane in, and rollout was not long. With the flaps, the landings were not as stable (pitch changes, different technique, requires more throttle control, must not get tooo slow). A heavier or larger warbird would be a whole different ballgame! The same applies to my FW190. I also fly off of a large paved runway, which may make a difference. I have the room for a little rollout if I land faster than necessary.

I have nothing against flaps, they are required in my book for a larger or heavier warbird. I would not even consider flying my Yellow Aircraft Zero with out them. However, 60 sized on down planes may (just depends) benefit from the reduced weight more than the flaps. Your choice. As a rule, I probably would even build flaps into my 60 sized warbirds if they were noticed from the top (not split flaps) just for the looks and effect.

Cal