Well Ive played a few hours of the game and I think its great. Its really hard, but a great game. I love the realism (such as the 17 step process it takes to just taxi to the runway and take off). Though I am nowhere near combat rediness, I have succeeded in taking off and doing basic meneuvers, such as a barrel roll.
It will take a while for me to get to combat rediness, but when I do itll be worth it. Raz, those reviews werent worth a damn.

On a side note, there is something very relaxing about just cruising at 5000 feet, doing nothing but looking around and admiring the view.