I just returned to the game after a couple of years away. I've loaded the client and properly set the "force feedback" options within the game.
In windows, my Microsoft Sidewinder works fine, right up until I choose a theater within the game. As soon as I launch a theater the stick goes out..there's none of the usual "force" that keeps it stable. The other force feedback effects within the game still work. So if I get hit..etc...the stick moves in response.
It's almost impossible to fly well without the usual "tension" on the stick...
oh, this stick works fine in all other applications.