The flags do go out at long distances. You get more range with a EFIS system than you do with an old unit which I presume pace was on with his standby instrument but then again it may only be servo driven from the feed to the EFIS.
DME can be got stupid distances away depending on what the transmitter function is.
ie if its an ILS DME its got bugger all range but the likes of St Abbs you can pick up crossing the channel at FL220 on the east coast. St Abbs does seem to be strange one though, I don't know what it pumps out but you can always get it. MAN also seems to be a bit of beast.
The wagging of headings still goes on occasionally when spelling and finger trouble start occurring. Its surprising how actuate it is. Its not unusual to be within a couple of degrees and under 5 while the box of tricks has been beaten into submission. And that's without a moving map.