If you had a 3d printer . . .
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:430794
Scott
So... I come back to see if anyone has responded to my previous inquiry(which I had figured was unlikely, but due diligence and all that) and see that I had somehow completely missed this post. I can honestly say I'm not a fan of the shape of the top(I want it vaguely flightstick-shaped), but looking it over I can certainly mod that part to suit my preferences after printing. And so, while I don't have a 3D printer, a friend of mine is plotting to buy himself one for Christmas, and he'll certainly want some test projects for it! So I'll definitely give that a go.
As for the alternate control deck plan, my brother asked me why I don't just get a pair of cheap USB flightsticks for the job, especially if I'm gonna go lazy on the steering wheel. The answer is obvious, "Because ARCADE!!!!" but with the price ever increasing on the arcade-style options I can't help but be attracted in that direction. There are enough buttons on even CHEAP USB flightsticks to cover admin functions...
(and yes, a pair of USB flightsticks can run Cyber Sled effectively - I've seen more than a few examples of such)