I have been flying sims now for about 11 or 12 years on and off. Always with a mouse, so to some degree, it is what people are used to using.
I have found, to support the idea of a joystick, that it is the view and keeping the nmy in sight that I have trouble with, not the technicalities of flying so much. I cant really say what difference there will be between a JS and a rodent, but the view issue is the one that keeps killing me.
I have now been flying with some good people in the AH2 game, and all use JSs with hat switches, they have recommended that I obtain a JS with these functions.
I have now bought one and await its delivery.
I would also add that I would most prefer using a mouse for GV and bomber work, as their is no huge usage of movement anyway.