First off, thanks to all those who responded to my initial post! So you understand, I'm very hesistant to make this post, but I wanted to share my experience after re-installing FS9. As I stated earlier, I installed FS9 on this computer more out of curiosity as to how it would run than anything else. As such, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, I don't mean this post to be inflammatory!!!
I installed FS9 again yesterday and ended up with a big smile on my face the first time I booted it up. I truly wish I had the capability to run FS9 this well years ago when I first purchased it (you see, I was stuck with a rather dated computer until this past March). After installing FS9 + the update, I maxed all sliders out and ran at 60fps 90% of the time (even in dense scenery areas - e.g., Seattle). Overall, it's quite nostalgic and enjoyable, however, FSX is still going to be my primary sim. You see, I can run FSX at 30fps 90% of the time, and it's extremely smooth. Also, to be honest, after comparing the two side-by-side (so to speak), FSX's out of the box graphics are far superior to FS9's (IMO). If you prefer FS9 as a result of the hard work you've invested to make it your sim of choice, that's fantastic. However, for me, the "believability" of FSX is far greater. I really don't have the time to completely re-build FS9 to improve the "experience" of using it. I also don't want to invest any cash in any environmental or textural add-ons for what is now a very dated sim. I'll likely keep FS9 on my rig (for now), but really don't see using it for anything more than checking out FS9 designs that aren't compatible with FSX. Having said that, I do find it extremely enjoyable to "fly" some of the more complex add-ons for FS9 that I had a tough time running on my old rig (KBT's F/A-18E-G series comes to mind). So, once again, please don't take this post as anything more than just my experience and opinion. I am honestly VERY HAPPY for those of you who are still very satisfied with FS9. I also still think it's a great sim that still has quite a bit of life left.
Thanks for listening. Also, I leave the option open for changing my mind at some point in the future as I tinker with FS9 some more.