SOLUTION: go back to the FS9 portover!
So, after hours of frustrating attempts to adapt the FSX native beta to have one of the payware VCs, solving the animations, I had a brainfart:
The only major thing wrong (in DX10) with the FS9 portover model was the canopy, which from the VC was solidly opaque, and from the spot view was almost non-existent. Why not fix those issues, and the original model should work, right?
So about an hour later, monkeying around with a bunch of old files, and experimenting, I found something that works.
1. VC: Could be a better, less hazy set of reflections - but that's the best I could do ....
2. Exterior canopy: way better than before!
3. OPTIONAL: I never really liked the newer dark green helmet, esp on the Naval FG1 model. So here's an optional solution for that:
I thought it turned out ok - here's the fix/patches for anyone interested:
View attachment IRIS Phantom DX10 Cockpit Fixes.zipView attachment IRIS Phantom DX10 Cockpit Fixes.zip
Now, for those who still have the the "complete" FS9 model, with the correct animations, VC (which though old, is at least reasonably ok), and all the great repaints - you can now use it well in FSX + DX10!
cheers,
DL
PS: all I can't fix is the lights: they are faint, almost invisible, unless I throttle up to full power. I've seen this also with the Skysim Vixen. Anyone have an idea what's going on?