[EricVanWyk]

In my humble (ha!) opinion, I think Joysticks look better for photo-ops. There is something quintessentially FIRST about the shot of 6 students dressed in full battle garb staring thoughtfully into the distance with their hands clutching the joysticks while their mentors shout and point from behind them. The same shot just doesn't work with a game-pad - the students look less engaged and therefore less awesome.

I think it has something to do with the shoulder posture. Joysticks bring the arms further apart, giving a more aggressive stance. Game-pads tend to create a more slouched posture. Can you really inspire fear awesome into your opponents peers with slouched shoulders?