I have to say about CH, and it applies to other controllers too, just the fact that something comes highly recommended doesn't mean it's perfect. People have different needs/preferences.
CH has some ergonomics challenges, and the way the base is split in two axes makes for variable resistance depending on your direction of movement. (Basically, it likes to make squares instead of circles.) The lack of twist axis is a consideration for someone who prefers it over pedals.
Alternatives might not have indestructible potentiometers, but I'll personally take something that feels and performs better in somewhat cheaper construction, if one will at least last a year of hard use. (A lot of 90's sticks, including Logitech, fail that durability standard while also lacking in sensor accuracy.)
Microsoft had good stuff for Win9x and even XP, DOS with some reservations. I think TM would be my way to go for pure DOS and later jet sims. Price not much of an object, as they can all show up for cheap these days.