The best way to do it is set it up like the real thing (or as close as the TM let's you)
F18 Stick: https://forums.eagle.ru/picture.php?albumid=1512&pictureid=9805
F18 Throttle:https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ItBYk5piqLw/maxresdefault.jpg
The way I have the TDC set up is the same as the A10 but I also setup the TDC buttons on the spare hat switch on the stick (As only the castle and trim switches are used).
This way I press the designate where it is on the throttle and slew the maverick with the stick. Every other slew I still use axis on the throttle to keep the muscle memory.
As for the A/A weapons switch on the stick the realistic way is: Forward- AIM7, Right- AIM120, Aft-Guns, Depress-Aim9
Hope this helped!