RE: do you use just thumbs
I use thumb and forefinger. Always have and always taught it that way. Seems to make people fly smoother. I don't use gimics like thicker sticks, longer sticks or transmitter trays. Many people do like them and use them. Its kind of a personal taste. No way is the right way, its just the way an individual does it.
The thicker stick would probably work great for the younger gamer generation. I don't corelate my play station and my models. Two totally different beasts.