Is the other problem that some games use the wheel as an optical device (ala a spinner) but some use them as a non-optical device (like a joystick)? I think that's how I rememer it.
That's the same problem we're talking about:
360 degree wheel = spinner = optical wheel (= mouse),
270 = POTs = analog joystick (= PC steering wheel).
There are exceptions (roadblasters

), but in general the above words are inter changable on this board as listed.
Hmm, I should make a list of the different games and controls and post it somewhere.
Yes plz. 
[foot="in mouth"] Here's a table (
http://www.urebelscum.speedhost.com/drivingInputs.html ). Flying, bicyle, motorcyle and clone games are
not included.
approximate totals: 33 optical, 38 POTs (games)