Playing exclusively in VR and not having any startup issues. I setup my flight in 2D, then once in cockpit just hit ctl-Tab and put the headset on. Works all the time. Never had an issue. I then use my MSSW FFB 2 joystick and the mouse and away I go. I don’t use VR Controllers because they are all awkward and I hate using them in anything.
I only play VR in cockpit sims (racing, flight, space etc). Never play any of these run around the room type games. I played about 4 hours of HL:Alyx and got bored. Was never really that impressed with it tbh. Simming on the other hand… would never play any other way than VR.