Seriously naw guyz
IL-2, easy to get started? I don't like simulators when it takes forever to get going. I want a good mix of realism/simulator but also that it's fun to play and entertaining
At least in IL2:FB series there was "Instant Action" - you could pick your wingmen and opponents and skip straight into the action. You can also choose more thorough single missions if full-on campaigning seems a little daunting at first.
As for customizing the difficulty, the sky's the limit. You can adjust everything individually in IL2:FB series (not so in the abomination called
Birds of Prey). Flight model you can choose between easy and realistic, but you can mix this up with blackout, redout, torque, wind, etc. Fuel and ammo can be set to unlimited independently. Engine management can be streamlined or "complex" (you have to adjust - depending on the plane - propeller pitch, magnetos, carburetor, turbocharger, etc.). Minimap and plane icons can be set on or off. External views can be blocked or allowed. And so on. You can add more challenge as your piloting skills grow.
tl;dr: You can play IL-2 as a semi-realistic shooter or a hardcore simulator and anything inbetween.