TC I have a pair of those CH 'Ch Pedals' too that are about that old, gameport version too, but they are dead. I love the pedal motion, just the foot pedal moves, not the entire base like the current USB pedals do (and almost every other set). I've tried the Crosswinds, have a set of the 109 Slaws (similar to Crosswind, only a bit better, IMO), and think the VKB are probably the most precise - sort of like the old style CH. Instead of moving your entire leg, or at least from the knee down, you only need to move your ankle, as the pedal is fixed and only pushes ahead, sort of like having the toe brakes on the current CH USB pedals BE the rudder movement. Less motion with the skeletal system = less gross motor skill, which IMO = more precise. It's all personal pref though, for certain.
Whoever said "2 weeks" to stop automatically using the wrist for rudder instead of feet when making that transition is absolutely right too. Same thing with TrackIR, you'll be using your thumb still for a while before just looking becomes 2nd nature.
You'll pick it up fast Zach, it'll give you shooting opportunities that you never had before, big time, compared to twisty or keyboard rudder.