I don't scale. Tried it years ago, didn't like the results. Been flying "flat, standard" for about 15 years.
I use only Logitech Extreme 3dPro sticks. I get very very good results both under LINUX and under Windoze XP.
After about 2 years, when these joysticks begin to spike, I give them away and buy new ones. I tell the people I give them to that they will never be as silky smooth as a brand new stick, but they can be made to last for another 1 to 2 years of acceptable service with a trick: Spend half an hour just "exercising" the stick. Move it in all directions" forward, back, left, right, twist clockwise, twist ccw, full throttle, half throttle, minimal throttle, making sweeping arcs and circles with all controls. I believe that this exercise wipes oxides from inside the potentiometers, and perhaps it spreads residual lubricants more evenly within them. Regardless of what is happening inside, the exercise DEFINITELY works, and spiking is minimized for a month or more thereafter. Repeat as necessary.
I don't want to imply that the system described by Krusty isn't good for others; I'm just revealing what works for me.
Regards,
-Peabody-