I “have” both.
I bought X-52 in 2009 and still running. Beside the slider and rotative on the throttle I can’t complain (although I resolved with a large dead zone). Like MorteSil I also advise to avoid the profiling program and go instead for DirectX (use SST just for the minimouse).
About the rudder I think that if you plan to fly just F-16, the rotation axe of the stick is enough.
Recently I found a used Flight Pack but at the moment I have installed only pedals. Stick and throttle lay on the box for the moment: I didn’t have the same feeling I had with the X-52.