The hook is of no use unless there is an arrester wire (RHAG) on the runway for a start. Are any of the DCS runways equipped with one, or a barrier for that matter. Nevada? That would certainly make things interesting.
The Lightweight hooks on A/C like the Mirage, Tornado, F-15, f-16, and just about every combat A/C can usually only take the stress of a slow speed grab near the far end of the runway, (although this depends on circumstances, aircraft, and RHAG settings), and then it pays out a LOT of cable compared to a carrier, maybe 100m+, and is a bit underwhelming to watch. Energy is bled off slowly compared to a carrier system which is a high speed (equivalent to a RHAG at the touchdown point set to max), and absorbs the energy of the fwd speed much faster and in a shorter distance, which I'm sure is much more 'exciting'.
It certainly would be exciting for the pilot of one of the A/C mentioned, because he might wonder why he wasn't slowing down much.... The reason being that his rear fuselage was sitting on the runway while he carried on without it. ;)
I'm no expert, but here is an nteresting thread on this matter:- http://www.fightercontrol.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=82463&start=0
As for the chute... [OT] I once watched a German F-4 take off at RAF Bruggen that we had just Serviced, and just after rotation, at about 50ft off the deck, he decided that it would be a great idea to pop his brake chute. me and the guys were waiting for a bang, but he just kept on piling on the thrust, but seemed to be getting nowhere fast. It seemed to me like he was hovering. After what seemed like ages, he obviously realised what he had done, popped it and shot off like a rocket. he didn't come back for a new one. We didn't get blamed, but I can't see how you could accidentally deply the chute in an F-4. it's a lever much like the M2000 Parking brake on the LH side of the seat.