For sure Viper, thanks.
I even researched the Logitech Forums, and it's a very ugly mine field there at the moment.
So, I've decide to do the following:
1). I will purchase a set of Saitek Pro Rudder Pedals as an independent input to go along side my TM Cougar (I fly LOFC and DCS). I have researched CH pedals, but definitely not interested in crunching my nuts and having an uncommanded input every time I have a sip of my Beer.
2). Wait for the TM Warthog to come out and throw down some fat cash for it without even batting an eye!
Everyone has their preferences, whether it's CH, TM, Saitek, etc. Even though my TM Cougar can be labour intensive, it is also a setup that can be as lightly or as heavily modded as the user wishes. I've always loved the feel of the cool steel, the heaviness of the unit and centering spring, etc. To me, it "feels" as realistic as one can get. I know it's heavy, because I travel a lot around North America, and I have lugged that beast from coast to coast. Through airline luggage handling test after test, it comes shinning through!
I've read that CH has an A-10 cougar, but it's strictly for the Military at this point. Even though it would be well received in any Flight Sim community, it's not in the cards for us as of yet.
Saitek's X65 looks very promising, but cutting out the WWII and Helicopter simmers (to be discussed in reviews once it's released) may leave that high priced FF technology to a very "limited" audience. Now if they offered two versions of the X65 (one FF and one normal), I would be very tempted, as the current units looks very industrial (read strong), but really nothing at all like the F-16 feel that they claim.
Thrustmaster Warthog: Well, it looks so damn bad ass and solid as hell!!! I may sound biased of course on this, but I have owned a Logitech Wingman Extreme II, a Logitech Force 3D Pro, a Saitek X45 and currently my TM Cougar for the last 2 years.
So, too bad Logitech pooped the bed on this unit that will undoubtley be reduced in price, as no one wants to touch it with a 10 foot pole.
Overall, it seems that we crave quality, durability, reliability (for god sakes), a complete package (Stick, Throttle, Rudders sold seperatly) and an independent system, to give us the freedom to mix and match HOTAS setups at "our" choosing.
I thank everyone personally who has talked me out of purchasing the G940, as I came within a fraction of an inch of buying one this week. Sorry Mr. Mark Starrett, Global Product Marketing Manager for Logitech; I hope your team can single handely fix the mess that is currently the G940...
All the best to everyone,
Todd "Toadster" Cormier
Squadron Leader for the 104th Phoenix
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
Eastern Regional Group Leader in real life for Top Aces, Inc.