I believe the Thrustmaster F-16 FLCS stick is indeed out of production.

The current version in production is the F-22 FLCS, which for all intents and purposes looks identical to the F-16 FLCS (you just program it differently I believe).

If you want to go that route, you'd get yourself the F-22 FLCS, a TQS throttle, and Elite Rudder pedals (the Elite pedals are admittedly kind of flimsy. You might want to try a different set like CH's pedals).

HOWEVER, the catch is, you might see a HOTAS setup with all the features you like, but when finally you get it in the mail, it might turn out to be almost unuseable because you don't like the stick tension or feel or precision or whatever. That's why the wisest thing for you to do is to go to a store like CompUSA first where they have these sticks on display so you can try them first before mail ordering.

Moral of the story: no matter how many bells and whistles a controller setup has, it would be near useless unless it feels good to you.

Me, I swear by my ANCIENT Thrustmaster PFCS/WCS2/RCS setup for Falcon 4.0. =) =)

I use the same setup but have had difficulty getting files for it... would you mind "lending" me yours?!. Mail 'em to marcdotshell@hotmail.com if you can- would really appreciate it.

You mean a configuration file for the WCS2? If yes, you are in luck. =) I used PapaDoc's .adv file for mine. Just cut and paste:
_____________________________________________

REM ADVANCED

REM Falcon 4 Adv file by Papa Doc 12/13/98
REM
REM This file was made using Thrustmasters utility called VPI...(Visual
REM Programming Interface).
REM
REM Rocker Up Dogfight mode
REM Rocker Down GroundFighter
REM Rocker Middle confused....hehehe.

RKR UP d REM DogfightMode_Gunzo_AIM9

RKR DN F2 REM GroundAttack

BTN 1 x z x z REM Chaff_Flare

BTN 2 /U F1 REM Cycle_A2A_radar_modes

/M F1 REM Cycle_A2A_radar_modes

/D F2 REM Cycle_A2G_radar_modes

BTN 3 q 1 REM AwacsCall

BTN 4 ] REM CycleRightMFD

BTN 5 [ REM CycleLeftMFD

BTN 6 b REM SpeedBrake

Game 0 70

BTN UB /U SPC REM FireWeapon

/M SPC REM FireWeapon

/D SPC REM FireWeapon

BTN MB /U ENT REM CycleWeaponAir

/M ENT REM CycleWeaponAir

/D BSP REM CycleWeaponGround

BTN LB KPENT REM Glance

BTN HU /U 4 REM Padlock

/M 4 REM Padlock

/D 2 REM ForwardView

BTN HD KP3 REM CheckSix

BTN HL /U KP4 REM LookLeft

/M KP4 REM LookLeft

/D LAROW REM MoveRadarLeft

BTN HR /U KP6 REM LookRight

/M KP6 REM LookRight

/D KP6 REM MoveRadarRight