ViperAceEX stick with shaker attachment for stick: force sensing but what exactly is the shaker kit mimicking?

[BluesRocket]

Nearly everyone I know in my two F-16 groups has this stick but without the shaker attachment, and do well with formations and AAR. My VKB stick was all over the place no matter what I tried to do with tuning and control with my hands. I'd had enough and went back to my TM F-16 stick since I could at least sit in formation acceptably (still no luck with AAR). THat didn't last long so it was a long shot so I placed my order and got the ViperAce EX stick and throttle (EX). I went with the shaker kit for the stick as I enjoy the experience I get with my haptic pad, and thought that would be cool to have haptic sensations all over.

My understanding is that this stick, with or without the shaker kit with the two extra hats, is NOT a force feedback stick. It's just force sensing. So the force feedback checkbox remains unchecked. BUT, the newer F-16 settings under special should be checked to take advantage of actual stick. How well it mimics it is beyond me, but those deadzones are huge. How best to use them?

Also, any recommendations on what file to download for the shaker option. Frankly, I've tried three and I can't actually feel much. Perhaps that's how it really works. 

Thanks in advance.