Just a VKB stick isn't actually as functional as a cheaper T16000M HOTAS with separate stick and throttle quadrant, so I'm not sure I'd recommend VKB unless you're getting the rest as well.
A VKB setup is about $800 (dual THQ+SEM+FSM+stick+rudders) so... don't look at VKB until you've flown with a <$200 HOTAS for a while and actually know what you enjoy flying (and whether that kind of flying even justifies buying into the whole "real controller" thing =)
The OP was just about a joystick and the VKB's Gladiator NXT EVO is a very nice one within their budget (<$200). It has a simple analog/throttle wheel on the base. IMO one of those is a much better investment than the thrustmaster HOTAS setup as it will last much, much longer and is still in their budget.
They've also never fired a up a flight sim, so they don't know that they don't want just a joystick but a HOTAS. Just a joystick is not enough to determine whether you're going to like a flight sim or not, and both the standard Thrustmaster (T16000-M) and Logitech-Saitek HOTAS (X52) offerings are <$200
A VKB setup is about $800 (dual THQ+SEM+FSM+stick+rudders) so... don't look at VKB until you've flown with a <$200 HOTAS for a while and actually know what you enjoy flying (and whether that kind of flying even justifies buying into the whole "real controller" thing =)