This. I never really played flight sims, so I am not certain if I should give this a go or not. I mean, I do own a Hotas which I usually use for Elite and other space sims, but I am quite unfamiliar with flight sims like this one. I am wondering if I should give it a try for quite some time now, since I've read a lot of very good things about it, but I am not actually sure if this game is too realistic and hardcore for me.

It's not about the money, but about the limited time I have to play games and before I sink a couple of dozens of hours into this sim, only to then discover that it is too realistic and thus too 'hardcore' for me would be kind of frustrating. So, what do you guys have to say about this?

It's a realistic as you want it to be. You can shut off all the hard stuff and simply fly around shooting things and not worry about damage. or go full out and have red outs and black out and fuel leaks etc.

Thanks a lot, I guess I'll give it a try then!

Perhpahs a single game with modelled stall spins and realistic measures to combat it.

https://www.av8n.com/how/htm/spins.html#sec-spin-types
Have managed to make all types of spins. Aircobra P-39 is the easiest to send into flat spin which might require more than 2000m (6600feet) of altitude to break from. It's prone to spins after spending all ammunition. Moderate spins are not uncommon in this game. And finally managed to make steep spin on Bf.109. You would need to be past critical angle of attack and slip.

EDIT: Prepar3D have spins simulate but it require either internet connection or 6-fold expensive version.

This game doesn't model damage to the fin after stepping on pedals back and forth (and I don't know which one does). Resulting resistance of air gets so high that fin stabilizer and/or rudder can be torn off. That's happened in real life before.
Since rudder completely to the side with countering alieron bank can be used to slow down quickly it is an exploit - nothing stops you from slowing even from 800+ km/h (410 knots) almost immideately with no repercussions.
I wonder if Bf.109-G6 modification with wooden rudder could be at disadvantage there if it was modeled?

Flaps can be jammed only at 2nd and 3rd positions (15% and ~40-55% respectively) due to high indicated speed. Flaps below&including 10% never jams. Flaps can't be damaged or torn off.