Ixamyakxim: I don't think I've EVER played X-Wing (I know, ridiculous, right?) but TIE Fighter is one of my top 5 . I'm assuming targetting commands are similar (and as robust!) - the way I always beat escort missions was to Keybind / Targetlock the ship I was meant to be protecting (I think it was F5 - F8?).
Then I'd use the targetting commands which let you 1) see enemies attacking target and 2) see missles inbound on target.
That way I could quickly see the ship I was supposed to be protecting, then immediately see who was going after her and take them out.
I agree though some of those missions in the old school Star Wars flight sims are TOUGH! And that was back when games were pretty much all tough / no handholding. Playing them after 20+ years of "modern" babysitting gameplay must be a trip ;)
Well, I did finally overcome it, and took care of the next few missions, too. Yeah, you basically have to find the bombers, nail them as fast as possible before they can fire off their missiles, and then watch for anymore coming out and get them immediately, too, while fending off the TIE fighters that are trying to shoot you in the ass while you're focusing elsewhere. It can tough.