I think it depends on what you're comparing it with. The current version of MSFS in 2000 would have been FS2000. I think that most people would agree with me that this was a backward step in many ways. The FS2000 default aircraft had no VC & the panels were all 2D. The fixed side, rear & quarter views were all part of the 2D panel. The default aircraft in FSX have 2D panels but what you see in the other views in Cockpit View mode is the interior model of the aircraft, aka the VC. Many of the controls, levers, switches & gauges in the VC are fully functional & clickable with the mouse. This makes the 2D panel redundant.

Obviously the quality of the interior models varies according to the ability of the creator, just like the exterior models. After checking out some of the FSX default aircraft I have to agree with you on the grey interiors but the VCs of some third party aircraft are stunning. Far from restricting what you can see it opens up a lot more possibilities for the modeller. I think that once you get used to the idea of the VC you will agree that this was a major step forward.

PS. I checked out Piglet's Pilatus Porter & that also has a grey interior. I can only suppose that this is an accurate representation of the aircraft it's based on. http://simviation.com/1/search?submit=1&keywords=PC-6C.zip&categoryId=&filename=...