Just a note to advise those that might be considering building some custom controls that you can get a Analog (Gameport) to USB converter at Radio Shack. It's not perfect, but if you want to experiment with a DIY control setup it can come in handy to have one available.

These things are cheap (mine was $16 CDN) and let me use the newer USB stick with the older analog pedals and throttle.

It will accept 4 axis so it would be possible to build a custom 4 engine throttle quadrant and then run it through this to the computer. FS 2004 will accept multiple USB controllers if you assign it properly.

I've got no room for a simpit, but thought the info might be handy to someone here without my fiscal or spacial shortcomings.