I have the Gladiator MKII, it is an excellent stick. If you are not so deep into flight sims you feel the need for the Warthog or one of higher end VKB Sim products, it is well worth getting. I purchased it because it pained me to see my Warthog sit unused for months on end, so I decided to sell it off and get the Gladiator. I sold the Warthog for enough to buy it as well as a TWCS throttle and have some cash left over. Since I purchased it I have set it up and flown Falcon BMS and am not wanting for any more buttons, etc. (personally I do not think I will have a need for split throttle, but if I do I will likely be getting a high end throttle anyway). I primarily fly IL2 series now but will get back into modern stuff again sooner or later (likely later!).
I highly recommend this stick. It does not require you to start working out with weights to use it, is stable on the desk, bonus on the twist for rudder (I do have pedals though) and has a high quality feel.
EDIT: I recommend getting it from the VKB Sim North America store if you are in North America, unless there is a good discount elsewhere. Good guy, hobbyist just like us, picked up the NA rights after someone else got out, just trying to support his (gaming) hobby.