Subman - thats good stuff to know. I've got a Saitek X52 but I'm seriously thinking of upgrading to a Cougar when I've got the cash. I always got scared off before by talk of having to mod it. Keeping my eye of the CH stuff as well, though.
I like the x 52 well enough but it has always felt a bit flakey to me. Lots of mouse drift, seems very sesitive to abient temperature ( on of the mods over on their forums actually recommended putting it in the fridge for a while before use as a solution to one of it problems.
,) and the springs are rather naff as well. I've not ever had the deadzone problem others have experienced but it took me a while to adjust to the very long throw on the stick. I do like the software though. it is very, very easy to program.
Having said all this, the best investmant I've made in flightsimming is my Trackir 4 - wouldn't fly without it now.