Xplane is....different....challenging
Common knowledge at the .org site is that while Austin made a great simulator engine, his A/C were lacking. But it takes a good sim pilot to tell that, so good on you!
IMHO As with MSFS, the 3rd party A/C are much better. Although I have only purchased one A/C ever, I find the freeones satisfactory. (Ouch stop throwing crap at me Proud PMDG Drivers, DF fans, and Aerosft heads):D
As with FS, if the A/C is correct, and you can't get it feeling right by the linear and null settings, try the uhh....I think it is called the Control Surface Compensator or something....it forces control surface deflection, so one can get a prevoiusly "unflyable" A/C controllable. (usually this is done with a self designed A/C to test it out. This setting is either in the Joystick settings page, or in your XP dir under "Plane Maker" .
I like XP but have run into a minor setback, as I planned on networking some of my 15+ surplus computers (all PIII 300-550mhz) to make four different simpits. My research has shown, that every CPU in the net must meet the min. req.s for xplane, unlike FS where they would just slowdown the frame rate, in my experience. So these throw aways wont facilitate this. :???: