Pointing at a bright cloud during daylight I can't see a single thing on the HUD. I imagine it's the same in the real aircraft, though.
This is with HDR warm.
Or when you just quickly fire up the sim to check something, not bothering to start TIR, and sit there nodding at the screen like an idiot expecting the camera to move. :D
I don't know about the second part, but you should be aware that the auto updater 'repairs' the installation each time it's run, so if you had an update after you installed the sound mod you'll have to do it again.
A flying buddy of mine had a problem sort of similar to what you describe the other day. He said there was delay in stick and rudder inputs. Have you noticed any issues with the other flight controls?
Well, the AI shouldn't act like a player, the AI should attempt to emulate the behaviour of real pilots. In more cases than not, the difference is large. :)