Are you using DX10 mode? I think there were some issues like this when you have DX10 preview mode enabled...
No. DX10 Preview is disabled.
A good alternative could also be Lockheed Martin's Prepar3d V2, which is a completely overhauled FSX code with tons and improvements, that gets constantly updated (current Version is 2.4). And the developers communicate with the community and are relatively open to suggestions - especially when it comes to fixing (legacy) problems.
The Academic License costs $59.00 - but everybody is basically entitled to it, because it's not an entertainment product. You don't need proof to be a student of anything like that, because the target audience is "everybody who uses it as a learning tool"
I've been looking at P3Dv2 a lot lately, especially since they just added DX11 support. However I'm also at a point where a new video card may have to happen first so I can get the most out of it when I do buy it. Of course, new video card most definitely means new power supply, as my meager 500W OEM just won't cut it with modern cards. Gathering the additional funds for a good 800-1000W power supply (not going cheap) and at least an nVidia GTX 780 or better will take some time.
---------- Post added at 06:51 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:48 AM ----------
Have you messed with the filtering settings inside the FSX settings menu recently? Try bilinear if they're off, and work your way up.
Yes, have tried them all. Trilinear was enabled during this screenshot.
If that doesn't work, you could always go with the tried and true method of taking your .cfg file out back with a shotgun and let FSX draw you up a new one.
Now
this I haven't tried. May give it a shot this evening, will report back if any changes.
---------- Post added at 02:43 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:51 AM ----------
I didn't want to wait until this evening, so I went home for lunch. I removed the FSX.cfg file from the directory and let FSX regenerate a new one. If anything, it made the situation worse.
One thing to note - I am using MegaScenery Earth, which I discovered in the manual doesn't have high-res nigh textures. Fair enough, I can chalk the minecrafty-looking night ground textures around KHNB (and all of Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio) up to that.
But, That doesn't explain the way the landing lights look layered when illuminating default textures or the way the light halo looks layered around the light itself. I'll keep digging.
---------- Post added at 09:36 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:43 PM ----------
Definitely not just MegaScenery. It's everything, down to the sky texture just after dusk. Part of me thinks it's video card/driver related, but if either of the two it would have to be driver, because historically on this machine FSX has looked great regardless what time I flew.
As much as I hate to do it, I think I may just do a fresh install of FSX early next week, then if it looks good, start reinstalling addon planes, followed by ASN, then REX4, then if all is still good, try installing MegaScenery Indiana again.