Quote from blackbird04217 :

The developers aren't doing it for the money

Even if money is not their primary goal (which I agree it most likely isn't), money is still an important factor in the development of a product like this. If it wasn't, LFS would be free. I suspect their phasing of releases is a deliberate move to ensure revenue is continually available to support development - a model I completely buy into and one of the reasons I was drawn to LFS in the first place. My point is, without this funding there is a strong chance the development would cease, which is bad for everyone.

Quote :

As far as single axis controllers I don't know what to say, you can find all the information in this thread, and they are very old although a few are still kicking around here and there. They are by far better then keyboard and mouse, but its the slightest disadvantage in some cars. It will be more noticable as the overall driving speed and acceleration of the cars increases: IE the GTRs and SS's will be more noticable if you don't blip the throttle then say the UF1, XFG and XRG which are all lower powered and you won't lockup the wheels from not blipping (as badly anyway, drop 2 or 3 gears and it can still happen)

Thanks for the advice - I'm OK with this (I think) as long as the races don't become unplayable or uncompetitive due to the hardware limitation, which is what JeffR appeared to be suggesting in the original post - maybe I misinterpreted.

OK, I'm new to LFS and as many people in this thread have asked for people with single-axis-pedals to stand up and be counted, well, here I am... I for one would like to think that having a cheapo steering wheel holds me at no distict disadvantage to those with super leather-stitched ones. On the flipside, I definitely don't want to be at an advantage to drivers who use more realistic controllers and would certainly expect them to achieve better times, but not to the extent that other drivers fall by the wayside. I think it's up to the developers to find a balance, which regrettably takes time and resource.

Speaking of developers, I noticed a few (dare I say elitist?) posters consider the total realism of this sim to be the topmost priority even if it loses paying punters. If I was the developers I would be concerned with limiting my market in this way, and I think the elitists should be too - after all, if the coppers don't keep rolling in then there is unlikely to be any further development! IMO, these few concessions could help keep the money coming in and make a better product for everyone.

Maybe I'll buy a G25 in the future (and probably change my opinion!) but at the moment I have better things for my wife to spend my money on.