I remember playing IL2 with a keyboard for about 2 years!!!!! Completed the Campaign no problem, but online was tricky/impossible!!!
Bought the Cyborg Evo with force feedback in 2005 and haven't looked back since...although I do have an issue with the twist rudder when I'm on a Bf-109's tail and keep 'ruddering' left/right when I'm trying to engage.
But hopefully I'll get another 6 years service out of it.