Lots of good gen there. Interesting idea to have a discussion about the various flight sims - I guess it happens all the time at alt.microsoft.fs2002.comparison but not often here.
As an added benefit of RANT you may be lucky enough to be doing your initial IR with none other than CAAFU's "chopper" Oddy. Yes, he of oddsoft fame ( correct me if I'm wrong ) and the creator of RANT - if it's good enough for him, I reckon it should help us.
Good luck, I'm up for renewal shortly so the old terror is slowly returning.
Nevergo