VKB Gladiator NXT and a Thrustmaster TWCS throttle is by far the best entry level HOTAS setup you can get after you mod the throttle a bit. You need to either grease the slider rails with a high quality grease like this or install an upgrade kit like this.

You will obviously void the warranty on the throttle by doing this but it's an easy procedure anyone should be able to do. The only tool you need is a phillips screwdriver. And it makes the throttle feel infinitely better.