I think I remember European Air War, wasn't that one of the first with photo-realistic terrain? Only at higher altitudes though. Very enjoyable game iirc.
Nope, nothing wrong with IL2, but new games aren't always better. They look better, but often not as fun to play.
Well, keep us informed, in the mean time I have to get myself a new joystick (don't have a game port anymore, threw my old one in the trash bin).