I wouldn't say IL-2 series is super-realistic, but it's a high-end simulation and still is one of the best ones in the market.
I bought the IL-2:1946 pack for about 20 euros few years back. And by then i already had the original, Forgotten Battles and Ace Expansion pack.
I still turn it on from time to time, played it a lot when got my Saitek X52 and got rid of my old LG extreme 3d Pro (twist broke down so had constant rudder problems).
But if I could find some competent online pilots to fly in a squadron, I'd for sure boot up skype/Ts/vent/mumble/whatever to ensure proper communication.
Mostly used the FW-190 series and the Kyushu J7W1 Shinden. Latter being a fan made plane from the AAA community.