Yep, it couldn't take the strain. It was a Logitech Extreme from 10-15 years ago. Man, I don't even remember when I got it!
I was really getting in to FS (taking on the Hammer of Light) and I heard a sickening crunch from the trigger and then no more pew pew. I can fix most of these sorts of things so I undid the screws and pried the handle apart. Unfortunately it was the little electronic switch itself that broke down deep inside somewhere. Oh well, I certainly got my money's worth out of it.
Now I need to get a new one. I could use my 360 game pad, but it is just too difficult since you need the fine control of a real joystick. I am holding off playing FS anymore until I get one. Should I just go with Saitek? I have not heard too many promising things about the latest Logitech ones.

What a coincidence, my Logitech Wingman Extreme also broke on this game, except it wasn't the trigger, it was the handle twist. I was considering getting a basic Logitech Attack 3 or Extreme 3D Pro to replace it, but you say you haven't heard good things about this generation of Logitech sticks? What sort of things have you heard?

My only research thus far has been the user reviews on places like Amazon and Best Buy. The Attack 3 comes off sounding decent but the 3D Pro seems to be failure prone. Lots of complaints about losing calibration and the twist function going bad. I may just go with the Attack 3 because it is simple, cheap, and does what I need. My previous stick only had two buttons and a throttle. Anything beyond that is gravy in my book!
What really concerns me is that I want a solid-feeling stick and not some cheapo lightweight toy. The Wingman was like a brick when you set it on the desk.

at least you didn't go blind.

I'll second that, its a really nice joystick.

Looks like a good one. Unfortunately finances say no new joysticks for a little while!
Freespace will have to wait.