Re: Joysticks
Had the Spectrum version, which you definitely could force a mis-jump. Can't remember how though.
Shift+F just prior to jumping (unless that was the CPC version).
I got to Elite on all Spectrum, Amstrad CPC and BBC. I skipped the Comodore version because:
a)It's on a Comodore.
b)TribblesTrumbles seemed a stupid idea.