Fun with Sims
If you force yourself to do the real aircraft checklist, use real aviation charts and approach plates, and fly the sim using the most realistic procedures your can, you will learn a ton about IFR. It isn't really about control feedback. Its more about situational awareness and FS 2004 and a couple good add-on programs are a bargain.
If you go to Ebay Motors under "manuals and literature," you will find all sorts of cheap aircraft manuals. I gave up all the fancy controls and only have a joystick. Be sure to trim it up and set the controls damping rate so it flys level unassisted.