Falcon, thanks for the generalisations. Helps everyone get along.
Chaps with the chute problems- I don't know why it wasn't mentioned by whoever dealt with support but the chances are that the models topped the poly count for FS9. I wouldn't say you are doing anything wrong, nor that there is something wrong with the model. I'd suggest it's exactly as it should be.
Though as for no VC's, that is an issue and should be bought to Phil's attention. I don't see anything that the end user could be doing to make the VC's disappear, unless it's to do with Viewpoints in the cfg. That said, the models haven't been touched in years (?) now so if it were a general issue, it would've been widely known by now.
With regards to paints, that can't be changed. The original author of the models chose to build his textures in that way. Though there is only a single (or few, I can't remember) texture folders, each variant does have unique texture names, therefore should be easy to single out.
ATB
Dan.
EDIT- Just for the record, try here if you have difficulties not getting the answer you want via email ->
http://www.alphasim.co.nz/support/index.php
EDIT 2- Just saw the note about the unofficial boards. Please don't expect tech support there any more than you would from a forum like this one.