RE: Pre-Flight?? Is it any good?
... or you could search for the earlier version - 1.95, I think; it was available somewhere on the web within the last year - though not on the Pre-Flight site. V 1.95 will allow 4-axis control with a USB interface, or others I'm not personally familiar with, but it may not perform as well as the current version; I've only had experience with 1.95. Others with more interface knowledge may be able to provide more info in this area.
The sim is certainly different from the others - freeware - in its look as well as its flight physics; in some ways quite different. But the newer models, and particularly the last two photorealistic sceneries, are definitely better, and if you can find the earlier version, it certainly is worth the "price".
I think though for flight training, particularly the "reversal of control direction", which must be learned early-on, FMS is likely to be the best - if freeware is of importance. If not, then get the best you can, and enjoy the "eye-candy" while learning.
Stew