First post here in nearly a decade of lurking. =)
I've found a solution of sorts for the Sidewinder 2 FFB joystick and how it behaves in MS Flight. It's not my own discovery mind you.
http://www.vistax64.com/vista-hardware-devices/188123-possible-fix-microsoft-force-feedback-2-joystick-self-center-force-disabling.html
or
http://scribblette.livejournal.com/643709.html
Both links get you to the same registry edit. What happens is that it disables the force feed back but leaves you with a "force" centered stick. I find this much more preferreable than the stick wallowing about with zero centering force. I've had and enjoyed my sidewinder 2 for over ten years now and I searched intently to find a solution for MS Flight.
Soul