I just bought CFS3 and i can only sum up my feelings with one word, disappointment!!!!!  My main problem is the virtual cockpit!!! I hate just having a virtual cockpit!!!!  Where is the good old fashion 2-d cockpit with all the nifty clickable controls?  Im sure that some of you love the virtual cockpit, so do I, to a point.   When i got to start an engine, I dont want to try to remember that i need to hit Ctrl-Alt-F6, etc.  I just want to flip a switch.  CFS2 is an excelent example a nice virtual cockpit, but also has a 2d cockpit where most engine controls and such are clickable.  I dont even know the keyboard controls for that game.     OH WELL  just felt like ranting.

That IS the vitual cockpit is it???  Lordy, I just thought I hadn't found the correct button to display the proper one.
I've had the CFS3 for 3 days now and thoroughly agree.."disappointment" is exactly the word I'd use. CFS2 is going straight back on again. The viewing is far superior..[rear view mirror!!], and the sense of 3 dimensional awareness is much more convincing. The actual flight characteristics are better in CFS3, take off and landing are noticeably closer to the real thing, but some how seem tame. the aerial combat too, lacks pizaz.
Ah well can't grumble too much, Microsoft did give us Crimson Skies so they are forgiven everything!