To the joystick haters out here, I just want to raise the point that I'm pretty certain that sticks in general used to be pretty expensive, any decent one at least. The difference is that, as they're much more of a niche product today than they were in the 90's, less people have them. And because of demand, less people make them.
Adding to that, a trip to Logitech's website will show quite clearly that a good, economy stick can be bought for less than 40 USD. 3D Pro FTW.
FINALLY, play a game which was made to use a stick properly. FS's stick input code really must blow, as I can't use zero deadzone settings in the options menu, EVEN IF I'm using external software to alter how my stick works with FSO. In comparison, Tachyon has GREAT stick control, and apparently its mouse control code was way, way ahead of FS as well. Don't get me wrong, FS is a great game with a great engine, but control inputs are quite lacking.
Needless to say, I do now have a stick and use it for FSO. The problem again is that FSO will not properly register minimum deadzone settings without receiving input noise, even if you've been using the stick's own software to overcome that. Now, I could be wrong on this front, but I remember clearly enough testing this issue to no positive effect.
In any sense, for maneuvering and flight, the stick is unbeatable. The problem is holding accurate aim while accounting for FS's BS stick input control. Stick + mouse = win.
