I don't know how long trackIR exists but it's been there for a while now. I've already used it for nearly 2 years now. It was brought to my attention by yet another simmer who used it in Rowan's BoB and EAW.

I must admit that, it was quite a gamble for me to purchase it in the first place, coz i didn't know how i would like it. And there were very few trackIR users then. In fact i think i was among the first in IL2. And you're right, i also thought it was expensive when i bought it.
OTOH, i can honestly say that as a simmer it's been the best thing i ever bought for my hobby! I kid you not. It adds immersion and a feel that is hard to describe. Handsfree natural headmovement viewing is what trackIR offers above the "hands on" viewing systems. Difficult to describe and can prolly only be experienced if you try it yourself.
In any case, from what i remember, your stick setup looked real good as well. The main thing is that mouselook is the way to look in sims. I'd hate to go back to snapviews even though they are very good in Aces High.
Cheers!