Mxsmanic wrote:
In a real aircraft, trim is used to deflect a larger control surface,
so that control pressures are not required to deflect it. The control
surface moves, which means it moves closer to one stop and further
from the other. This reduces remaining control authority in the
direction of the former, and extends it in the direction of the
latter.

Sigh... No, they are not. By definition, trim systems (tabs, springs,
all-moving surfaces, moving horizontal tails, etc.) are used BY ALL
AIRCRAFT to relieve control pressures at the trim airspeed, and
contribute to stability by establishing the speed that the aircraft
will attempt to return to after a deviation from that trim airspeed.
Trim for 90 knots, and the plane will stay at 90 knots hands off as
long as it isn't disturbed in roll. Pull the nose up and slow to 60
knots, then let go of the stick, the plane will gently nose down,
accelerate past 90, then slowly pitch back up, repeating the process
until it's back at the trim speed. Same thing happens in reverse if
you accelerate by pushing then letting go of the stick. You do have to
keep the wings level on most planes, however, since roll stability is
usually the weakest axis (yaw is usually the strongest).

What you thinking about are servo tabs, spring tabs, spades, etc.
These are aerodynamic devices for reducing the force needed to move the
control surface away from the trim position, especially at high
airspeeds. Replaced on modern heavy/fast aircraft with irreversible
power controls (which still need a trim system, by the way, in order to
set the trim speed). Not uncommon to see seperate spring tabs and trim
tabs on the ailerons of older, large airplanes.

The problem with "simulated" flying using a spring-centered joystick
(or wheel, like the nice CH ones) is that they are always fighting
their centering springs. Therefore, in order to simulate how a real
trim works, they actually move the control surface "neutral point".
And yes, that may decrease the remaining control authority available.
BUT THIS IS NOT HOW A REAL AIRCRAFT WORKS! For MSFS to replicate how
trim really works on your Baron, it would have to move the stick/wheel
while you move the trim in the simulation (not the phyical trim wheels
some joysticks (like CH) have).

Unfortunately, I'm only interested in powered flight.

Who says sailplanes aren't powered? Mine is primarily solar powered,
with occasional hydrocarbon assist for takeoffs only.

Kirk
66