I actually like the default set up of the hat switch, but for me the easiest way to pan around is just press the middle mouse button (wheel) once, and that will put you in free look mode and then just move the mouse around to pan anywhere, and if your fps is high enough it will be really smooth 

I have the Logitech extreme 3d pro and the their pro throttle quadrant. no rudder pedals yet.

I then went in and mapped my save custom cameras to F1-F10 function keys, since I have other hardware that does what those keys do.

I then mapped my recall custom camera keys to 0-9 on my num pad,.

I then assign button on my joystick to those 0-9 keys

so then when i set up a new aircraft all i have to do is move where i want to be and press the appropriate function key to save it,.

Its very fast and works pretty good so far.

I wish I could adjust/change the instrument views but I don't think I can.