Forty something simmer/gamer since Doom and Microsofts F119 stealth.
Software/hardware compatability has always been a issue especailly with 1st person shooters and sims.
So you can say I am accustomed to the bs and assume 50% of my sim time will be spent tinkering with settings,swearing and saving for a faster computer.
Recently i had back surgery so beforehand I bought 4 of the latest pc games to play while I recouped.
Two games,Rainbow6 Vegas and Gears of War I never could get to run at ALL. Tech support forums were flooded with complaints and it was all out anarchy as most game forums.
A common "fix" was to reload my OS

Oh yeah I going to reload my OS and start from scratch is not a option.
The only game I had no problems with was Bioshock.
I got so upset I went out and bought a PS3 and couldnt be happier.
The only games I have on my computer are FSX and Fallout 3.
I like you,just ran out of gas trying to make FSX run and look perfect.
FSX is what it is and I made peace with it and enjoy it.
I have spent a small fortune on addons as I did for FS9.
Looking back it was not a addiction but every new addon gave me that boost that refreshed my love of simming but it last only days if not hours.
My best freind of 20 years owns a computer store that custom builds systems. You would think I would always have the latest, greatest machine but I have learned that for gaming its not always the best.
The cutting edge hardware when the game was developed is usually the best system to run a game regardless of the current tech.
Thats why the 8800gt is considered the card of choice even though its old tech wise.
I have ALWAYS has AA/AF issues with FSX since day 1.
I get that heat blur look on the terrrain and any straight line,runway,taxiway ect have various degreees of jaggies even at 1900x1050.
I am now running a 4870. Its slower imo than the 8800gt I had but its WAY faster with crysis and the few other pc games Ive ran.
Sorry to be long winded but I am glad to see you realize its not YOU.
Some are lucky,remember some only know FSX and have nothing else running.
Just wanted to let you know we understand and are also tired of chasing that carrot.
Set your settings to those your computer can run the sim at acceptable rates and look good and FLY.
In my case, it took deleting FSX in a rage :angryfir: and loading Xplane,Falcon,Wings over Vietnam,First Eagles and realizing FSX is WAY ahead in every aspect of any sim out there.
And with no real competition,getting upset,frustrated and angry is pointless.
As my computer guru freind who I always bothered told me, "Just fly the dam thing!"