Agree 100% with Rugg...I switched from an x52 to the CH Fighterstick (and throttle...already had pedals...which are a bit close together :() and was initially concerned by the feel of the centre "snap" as Rugg puts it....and now (ahem) 12 months or so later, I actually really appreciate it.
For me, and obviously this is subjective, my cannon runs in the Frog improved dramatically with this stick...you get just enough positive feedback from the stick when you're putting an additional bit of (either) axis that it stops you from under or over-correcting...I just don't get that fromt the x52, or the x45 I owned before that.
I must say though, I rue the day I sold my MS FF2 stick....I sooooo wish I still had that for IL2/AEP/PF.
I guess to really appreciate the CH products you need to use them for a while. I saw in another thread an observation that the CH throttle (compared to x52) was a straight slide and that you couldn't make fine throttle adjustments...well, bollox is all I can say to that...as we (504) fly in formation all the time (25Ts, 25s and 27 occasionally).
All in all though, joysticks, like so many things in life, are a very personal thing. My advice:
(1) If you're on a budget and new to HOTAS...get an x52 for size
(2) If you've had an x45 and/or x52 and considering an upgrade, go for CH...yes, they're not cheap (more expensive than stock Cougar) but they are quality (precise and reliable).
(3) I've got a stock Cougar sitting on my shelf...I've cleaned the pots etc etc and its still got nothing on my CH Fighterstick. I even considered getting the FFB2 mod for £300 and you know what...screw it, I'd get better value for money from another 7900GT and SLi for my other games....or a bigger touchscreen for Touchbuddy.
Ok, essay complete, fingers worn out, peace be with you in the search for better HIDs.
PS. If you don't have a TrackIR you MUST get one, its the biggest improvement for immersion you'll ever buy!