Not directed to your reply only EtherealN, but in general to this hardcore definition discussion:
pushing buttons is one thing, which I don't care so much about, I mean yeah I used to start the A-10 from ramp, most of the fun is still flying and hitting targets. One thing that got omitted in this discussion is that the difference between DCS flyables like the A-10C and FC flyables is not only the knobs pushing. I've even seen some of the 3-rd party devs "bragging" on how their product has a bunch of knobs like this only would fulfill the "DCS standards".
So, here comes what has been forgotten: it is the fidelity. Missing fidelity in the radar operation modes, missing HUD symbology regarding 120 launch parameters. These are all features that really help in the "chaotic mess of the aerial battlefield", really add to the situational awareness but are lacking.