I read that the early model Bf 109 was a difficult aircraft to fly cross-country because of the lack of trim, it had ground adjustable tabs only and a variable incidence tailplane and elevator and pilots who went on long patrols got tired quickly because of the necessity to 'fly' the aircraft constantly. Apparently, it certainly wasn't the easiest aircraft for the novice, but that once mastered was always rewarding. From what I've read, the Germans complained that the Spitfire and Hurricane were 'easy' to fly, although rated the Bf 109 as a superior combat aircraft.