Dave T wrote:Might be a good alternative to MSFS & the newer version which comes out in 2024. Held off updating to MSFS due to the constant updates and bugs.
Still a FS9/FSX holdout, might consider getting P3d instead.
An alternative, no, not really.
P3D is basically the same as FSX, with some improvements in the graphics engine and the overall stability (64 bits helps greatly)
Since you haven't made the jump to P3D yet, you have to keep in mind your FS9 addons (including FSX port-overs) won't work at all.
Many FSX addons won't work either, because of incompatible gauges (.gau for example) and incompatible textures sometimes.
But P3D makes it easier to use complex sceneries, thanks for the 64 bits platform, and that's really big improvement. The new lights and shadows system is a big step over FSX as well.
That being said, in my opinion, and given the kind of flights that you like to so, I hardly see P3D bringing anything new to your general experience...
MSFS has its troubles but constant updates (once every two months, that is...) are not one of them. It's also more stable than anything FSX or P3D could ever achieve on my side.
And when it comes to "enjoying a VFR/IFR/bush/military exploration flight anywhere in the world", which I think is what you really like to do, it's simply unbeatable.
The one main issue of MSFS is the requirement for a good and fast internet connection. That's the real limitation. In fact, I wouldn't advise anybody with a metered connection or anything lower than 10 Mb/sec speed, to switch to MSFS.
My brother has an unlimited (in terms of download volume per month) ADSL connection with a speed around 20 Mb/sec if I'm not mistaken. He can use MSFS without issues and he lets the downloads / updates run during the day while he is at work