by Ashleigh » Mon Dec 17, 2012 2:20 pm
Can't comment on the higher frame rate - personally I didn't notice this. I did however try to install Acceleration on an "elderly" system (note you mention a 2002 version of XP) and had to disinstall it since FSX wouldn't start at all. Acceleration seems to be resource hungrier than plain FSX, since that ran OK (and continues to run) on the "elderly" setup.
Having said that, it is almost worth having it for the F-18 carrier stuff alone! And if, as Skyhawk says, it boosts frame rates, check you rates before and after installation to see what gain you get.
Gold pack definitely gives you the best bang for a buck.