Glad I could help bandit. I think there were a couple of good x45 threads not too long ago in this forum, you might want to run a BBS search to see what that gets you. One, in particular, was posted that had some stick configs for the x45. A quick search yielded this:
x45 settings I don't use an x45 stick but I think they are fairly common/popular in AH.
A good way to build "natural" use of views is to practice on easy targets initially, then build up to tracking hard stuff. Go offline and make mock attacks on ground structures, viewing them while reversing to make another pass. This should be easy because the structures don't move, only you do, all you have to worry about is running into the ground (thus make quick looks forward, then immediately back to view the target). Then I often suggest you go up and practice on drones. Make mock attacks from all angles and use the views to track them. This is medium-easy, they are moving, but at least they move in predictable paths. Then, you can do to the TA and just follow someone around a bit (ask if they mind).
A new player in AH typically has trouble tracking more than 1-2 other aircraft at a time, experienced players can track probably 3-5, the really good veterans can probably handle up to 10. You don't want to get target fixiated on any one person, you need to have a overall awareness of what is happening around you, like when you drive a car and check the mirrors for cars around you. It's a bit of mental file-keeping, you note where each person is, which ones may be immediate threats, which ones are longer-term threats, and what they relative energy states are. Usually I end up classifying them in that manner, people who are further from you, and below you, are less likely to be immediate threats while someone above you and close are more likely to cause problems. Then I make sure I update my info on the more immediate threats more often so I know what they are doing and can react accordingly.
One other thing, incase you didn't know, is you can set your head positions custom for each aircraft. While using the view you wish to set (for example, hold the 2 key on the numberpad for rear-view), use the arrows and Page Up/Dn keys to move your head around the cockpit until you get the view that you feel best allows you to see what is happening in any one direction. Once you get something you like, while stil holding that view, press F10 to save it. Now, any time you return to that view you will have the custom one you saved. You need to do this once in each aircraft as each is different, but overall the custom views can be vastly better than the defaults.
