I purchased a CH stick and pedals used from a good friend who got me addicted to flight sims. I'm not sure how long he had them but did mention he replaced the pots just before I made my purchase. That was 3 years ago.
The stick only recently broke off in my hand at the base and the pedals were starting to act up too. Can't play at the moment but I do continue to browse the forums.
Just as soon as Christmas or AH2 comes I'll be buying
another CH stick, pedals and adding the throttle, all USB for about 450.00. The wife says she'll buy me a new stick for Christmas and I'll have to get the rest myself. I think she likes the fact that one of my hobbies keeps me home.
I do wish there was something cheap I could buy in the interim for my kids to use, my son likes Dawn of Aces and could be going through the same withdrawls I am.

CH is my recommendation, I wonder if HTC can get us a discount with them??