Variable Weather and the like
I think this may be in the wrong forum area but here goes....
X-plane does a much better job of weather than FSX can. (in my opinion) Not sure about version 8 (don't use it although there are many still around) but v9 has many options for setting multiple cloud heights, type, dew point etc. You can also set the rate of change ie deteriorating, improving rapidly or slowly. The visuals for this are quite realistic and probably account somewhat for the FAA certification it carries. (for IR training I would say it is the only software you would find anywhere near realistic).
You can also use a device called a matrox triple head to go to allow any display (FSX or X-plane) to use three screens for the outside view and (if your graphics card has a second output) a forth screen for instrumentation. I've set most of this up myself and it works very nicely. PM me if you need more info.
BP.