Anyone have any good joystick recommendation? Want to try out all the space combat sims on GOG, but I fear I will need a joystick, or grow an extra set of arms. Why do I have this feeling? Ask Freespace 2 the last time I played it.

It depends. Are you looking for a flight system? If so, ask someone else.

Or are you looking for an affordable joystick that will work pretty well for just about every space-based flight sim and mech game out there? If so, I swear by my Saitek ST290. Three axes (normal joystick, and you can twist it), 8 conveniently placed buttons, and a POV hat.
It isn't the best thing out there, but I find that I have yet to find a game where I use more than 8 buttons frequently enough to need it on the stick (and I play the X-series :p).

DISCLAIMER: Actually, if you play Mechwarrior, you are probably better off with a mouse/keyboard combo. But that is no fun.

I have a Saitek Aviator which is pretty decent and quite cheap.

Not that I have many games that require it, and I am rather fond of using mouse+keyboard for everything.

Oh and I have an Xbox360 controller too, which is good for arcade-y types of games and console ports.

I use a Logitech Extreme 3D Pro, damned good bit of kit for a cheap stick.

i have a saitek cyborg evo
its an ok joystick, doesnt have thousends of buttons, but you have a coolie hat, and even turn the axis of the stick itself, in addition to that it has a small throttle control attached

Been using Saitek x52 for a while now and I highly recommend it , think you can get it for under $85-90.

Great Z axis so it works great with space sims.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDz7adllNIA

And yeah if your on a tighter budget the Logitech Extreme 3D Pro is a good choice, can't compare with a two part Throttle and Stick but considering the price it's a true bargain!

My choice as well. Damn fine for killing mechs and flying sims, in or out of orbit.

I have a T-Flight Hotas X. I managed to get a pretty good deal on Amazon. It was labeled under a different manufacturer, but is definitely a Thrustmaster (has Thrustmaster written on it!)

Here is the Thrustmaster on Amazon
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Thrustmaster-T-Flight-Hotas-PS3-compatible/dp/B001DMUCAC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1286622087&sr=8-1

And here is the same Joystick on Amazon £7 cheaper but listed as a Guillemot/Hercules
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Guillemot-Hercules-Thrustmaster-T-flight-Joystick/dp/B001CXYMFS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1286622087&sr=8-2

I use this:
http://www.thrustmaster.com/product.aspx?ProductID=153&PlatformID=5