Hey,
I am very apprecitative of Pete Dowson's FSUIPC, as it is the lifesaver for many things in FSX/Prepar3d. I only used it for the Joystick support as it helped me (and so many countless fsx/p3d users) to avoid the dreadful joystick disconnects.
While I was in the process of updating my P3D optimization doc (old version is on the Prepar3d section), I decided to take a one more look at the joystick issue, and I may have found a very elegant solution.
Windows 8 is super fast in desktop mode (with classic shell as start button) and I do like the SSD optimization by default in it. There are some quirks in it, but for the most part everything works great in desktop mode.
Anyway long story short - I have not had a Joystick disconnect in P3D (with Orbx/Rex/Opusfsx/Mytraffic 5.4C) for 3 hours (running in full screen windowed triple screen mode).
I also decided to install clean FSX for testing. My FSX is running in windowed mode minimized, while I type this post and it was running in full screen mode for 3 hours with zero joystick disconnect earlier on.
I am still testing so please stay tuned for further updates, I do not want to raise hopes and expectations. It is still in testing and if everything is successful on my end, I will post instructions with pictures etc on my website (Estimated time: after stock market closes at 4pm EST).
My question to you all is - do you want me to install Windows 8.1 and confirm on it too?
I am just suprised that Microsoft released it few days early for MSDN/Technet subscribers.
Stay tuned and keep your fingers crossed.
Skywolf