I actually started over with a fresh version of 7.01 and it was the first mod I added. The game was fine. So now I am adding mods like those in the first version to see what the conflict is. I even wonder if it was just the order in which I added them that causes the problem. Anyway, there is a conflict with some mod, but I don't know what it is. In the meantime I am enjoying my HSFX newer, smaller version with the MissionProCombo.
I have also noticed the same with the Engine Mod and SAS. Starting over with a fresh version and adding the mods in the order from most important/fun to least seems to clear up conflicts. Adding the engine mod to an already heavily modded game caused AI goofs, but then starting over with the Engine mod added first and others later has been good.
In both versions I have not completed the trial and error process of finding where the conflict begins, but I am also finding that I don't need every mod that comes along.
I am enjoying the game and all the mods even if I spend a lot of time rearranging it. Fortunately I have enough space for about 12 game versions, and I always leave a fresh one of each new version as a backup.
Long live IL-2!