To me, it was well worth the time to learn to use the Saitek software. Simply for the reason I'm able to use the pinky switch to double the amount of functionality for other buttons.
I'm also able to use the throttles' upper and lower detents for WEP and Engine off.
Here are a few of my settings. Wish I had more time to put something together with a diagram.
Throttle Hat Switch:
Left-Toggle clipboard.
Right-View toggle zoom.
Up-View zoom in.
Down-View zoom out.
Thumb Button on Stick=Secondary Fire
Trigger=Fire-Fire all
Fire A=VOX Range
Fire B=VOX Channel
Throttle Mini-Mouse:
Right=Flaps out one notch.
Left=Flaps in one notch.
Up=Zoom in clipboard map.
down=zoom out clipboard map.
Throttle Wheel Click=Gear up/down.
Stick 4-way hat:
Left=Head position left.
Right=Head position right.
Up=Head position up.
Down=Head position down.
I use the throttles' analog dials for manual trim.
Coogan