You can go as far as you like. I've got a lot in mine, and actually ran out of AH functions before I ran out of buttons!
One thing I've really liked is the ability to program different actions for quick presses, and for longer presses. For exampl, my first hat (one at the top of stick) gies me cockpit front view when i flick it forward, but external view when I hold it for longer than a second. Really nice when scanning for cons in a buff....not that I ever up one, no sir, no bombers for me Mr BK....
jk
I really like using the mini mouse stick on the throttle for slliding views, like around framing. I have up, slide right, slide left, -- and since I can return to HOME views with the look forward key, I use the stick down as teh "view look down" modifier. I like using the standard hat for the 8 points of level view, then hold down the center blue button on throttle as well as teh view hat movement for look up angles, adn the stick slid down for downward angeld views. WEP is the steel buton next to the mouse stick.....
I use the slider for RPMs. Just make sure tha when you calibrate you do EVERYTHING -- sliders, rollers, twisties, throttle. Several times I've been unable to take off because I forgot to calibrate RPMS, and there wasnt any power even at fuill throttle....
I use the roatries for airelon and elevator trim, makes manual trim a dream.
The switches at the base of joystick I use for gear, hook, and /.ef macro. (Thats hady when you're racing the vulcher....)
I've found the 52 lasting longer than either of the 45s I went through on the BestBuy warranty, and I love the action....so much smoother! My favorite stick so far.
If you like, I can send you my profile.