I have been using a regular X52 for a little over a year now. I got the pedals about a month ago. I have never had a problem with the X52.
It hasn't become sloppy or hasn't lost it's calibration. I don't use a powered usb hub and I don't turn the LEDS off. I noticed the other day that a button 13 is activated when I pull the stick as far back as it'll go. I have been thinking of taking it apart to find out why but it causes no problems so I haven't done it.
I never downloaded any drivers or installed any software. I just plugged the stick in calibrated it and, voila, it worked. If you have a problem with it try uninstalling the drivers and do what I did. I like my X52 but like anything else if there is a way for it to mess up it will.