1. Anything that hovers easier than the default 206 with the GENERAL realism set at ONE notch below full is "dumbed down"
2. There is no such thing as a "more" stable helicopter -- they are NOT stable to begin with.
3. If you really want to learn to fly the FS helicopter realistically, visit
http://members.shaw.ca/hoversafe/Hoversafe.htm and follow the lessons you'll find there. But beware... it will cost quite a bit of time and effort but if you do, you'll be one of a very small number of people who can actually fly it properly.
Most people firmly believe the default 206 is unrealistic simply because it isn't as easy to fly as a Cessna. This belief is based on having seen helicopters in movies, TV or real life. They look so smooth and docile as they gently touch down on the pad. Heck, anyone can do it, right? W-R-O-N-G .... at least not without a lot of training and practise. What you don't realize is this an unintentional deception. Those smooth looking landings are being performed by a competent helicopter pilot who is very closely controlling it because that is the only way a helicopter can be flown.
The average time it takes a student helicopter pilot to get to where he can manage a hover that doesn't constantly threaten the life of his instructor is 17-19 hours!!! And, make no mistake -- in real life, an R-22 is more difficult to hover than a B-206 and both are far easier than ANYTHING in FS.
So, for those of you who have difficulty hovering or controlling the FS helicopters -- don't despair -- you're not alone!!
Cal (CYXX)