HOTAS and Helicopters

I got to fly a good bit of helicopters using keyboard controls during the alpha. I really enjoyed it and am considering getting a joystick for it. Would it be worth it without pedals/throttle? I found aiming the miniguns very difficult with wasd and may avoid a joystick if mouse aim is possible, but I didn't get a chance to figure out if it was an option. Also, is track IR/Open track compatible with wardogs for free look? Any insight would be appreciated, thanks!