Thanks to both you and CrashLander for the help. I found the RealAir
172 web site and will give it a try. Can you say where I can find the
freeware Cherokee 180F? (Mine's a 180B, so the instrument panel will
be very different, but that's ok)

Mxsmanic wrote:
The closer the simulation gets to your real-life experience, the more
enjoyable it is likely to be.

I think it's plenty enjoyable now. It's different in some ways from
the real thing, e.g., physical sensations, crazy rudder, the
motivation to look out the window, etc., but I think it's a remarkable
product for the cost, and much much better than not flying at all.

My complaint about the rudder sensitivity may not by accurate. I
think it is a combination of the MSFS aero model and my hardware
controller. There is no feedback in my controller (I use a joystick,
I think it's called MS Sidewinder (?)). For instance, my real
Cherokee requires a substantial push on the right rudder pedal during
the takeoff roll to keep the plane straight, while the sim/joystick
requires only a VERY slight twisting pressure. If I'm not very
careful, I overcontrol and shoot off the right side of the runway,
unless I overcontrol back to the left, and then I shoot off the left
side of the runway. It's much easier in the Cherokee, even in a
strong crosswind.