Default. I just use it long enough that it becomes second nature to move however I want in space. I don't really even have to think about pressing the keys, it's like riding a bicycle.

toshiro, what's the HOTAS system?

@ShankTank i'm hoping to achieve the same, but with this unintuitive layout of mine. it's taking a while ...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HOTAS

Allows you to keep your hands on the throttle and not have to move back and forth between control interfaces. Obviously worth it for F-16 pilots, unsure of its utility for video games.