New Player?

[killspeed]

Hey there guys.
After the fiasco I had trying to get Blazing Angels working, I have decided to move on to a better WWII combat Sim game. I have researched for a few days and found IL2:1946 as a possible candidate for my next combat flight sim game. I was left with a bad taste in my mouth dealing with the whole non existent Ubi tech/control support, but I see here there is somewhat of a community still alive.

Do you guys think its a good idea to jump into IL:1946? I'd like to fly against other players so i would like some kind of active community. I have found Ace's High II, but not sure I want to spend a monthly subscription just yet.

Any tips, suggestions regarding joystick, loading problems I may have with 1946? Any and all tips and suggestions are appreciated.