Update I’ve taken the plunge and got it from ebay – much better value at 15 or 20 quid.
I was perhaps a bit harsh – the lack of proper flight-sim stuff does still rankle, but after a bit of practice with the controls and a lot of playing, I’m actually a bit of a fan now.
Finished off the adventure mode, which is satisfying, and might one day get around to unlocking all the special craft…
… but probably not!