No argument here with engaging the enemy only on your own terms, that sounds like the approach of a pretty good tactician to me. Hitting the enemy where he is weakest (i.e. two seaters, inexperienced pilots) also sounds like good tactics as well. I think flying and shooting skills are necessary but good tactics should also be taken in to account when evaluating a pilot.
Having said this it should also be mentioned that
Lanoe Hawker is not the only allied ace shot down by MvR and even though the major portion of his tally consist of two seaters (which played a more valuable role for the enemy, by the way) he did shoot down several Sopwith Camels and SPADs, fighters every bit as good as what he was flying at the time. There may have been pilots who flew better, shot better, etc. but I don't think there were any who comprehensively flew, shot, employed air tactics, and led air units better than he did. I do agree that the result of the Hawker battle may have been different had it been over allied territory with different aircraft etc. since Richthofen didn't get Hawker until he was forced to run for his own lines. Remember though,
Hawker was forced to run because he didn't manage to get Richthofen.
Regards,
MDD