Franek,
We are all entitled to our opinion, and on this issue I still disagree
The line must be drawn somewhere and IMHO it is the difference between direct and indirect cause of a loss.
Let me repeat that at the end of the day you may discuss the full losses of an engagement, including those operational losses not directly attributable to combat. These are indeed not less real nor less important, but IMHO they remain outside the realm of claims, albeit unit, personal or otherwise.
Especially Naval aviation is full of examples where a/c are lost after / during combat, but not through direct cause: damage from enemy action.
Aircraft that get lost, bad weather, fuel state while waiting to land, tired pilots etc etc etc.
The Japanese Zeroes over Guadalcanal flew at the absolute maximum of their range, ditching on the way back was not uncommon. Does that mean that they should be added to the total of the Cactus AF?
IMHO no, but the losses have a place in any serious assessment of the operation(s), especially if the pilots are lost as well.