Fair do Moggy, as you say ‘as you find it’…

I get no problems and good framerates running at 2560*1024 screen res with most of the graphics settings on full, usually get around 25/30fps which is more than enough. I would not even use CFS3 without having the patch installed, it makes so much difference. I rarely use it in anything other than online multiplayer. I do have it fairly heavily modded with extra ‘planes and scenery, and effects. I mainly fly missions, which for the most part are based on historical info, just the way I like it.
Your point re the bridges (and stock missions) I accept. It’s a great shame that it wasn’t more of an update of CFS2, it is rather arcade-like.

Oh, and there are enough variants of Spitfire available to keep even Daz amused for some time!

I can’t speak for IL2, since I’ve never used it, although I may just give it a go soon.