Mark, if it's just about the proper cruise thrust setting, you may use the F2 and F3 keys to actually adjust the throttle in fine 1% steps.
I can and do that, but I have to disable my joystick (CTRL+K), or any slight movement will override the keyboard setting. Plus the fact that my joystick throttle seems to take control out of the blue. I can be flying along with everything just right (having used the keyboard for finesse) when suddenly the plane (not just the 707) will lurch forward as the thrust suddenly increases to match the joystick throttle position.

I know, my Extreme 3D Pro is cheap and nasty. Not too nasty though or I would have gotten rid of it.

The main issue is the fine control I require when on approach and final. It makes it just a wee bit harder. ;)

Mark