I hear ya man! Ive had this sim since the original IL2. I get away from it from time to time. But I always come back to it.
I recently just bought everything to play it like it should be. An X52, rudder pedals, and TrackIr 5. What a difference that makes!! I am no good player, but having the trackir is just so much fun and more immersive. The amazing thing is all of the different planes, regions, then you can play online with others!! This sim is the best thing ive ever bought for my PC and self.