Is it OK to switch using port 2 (a2000) ?

[Tenacious]

You can get away with plug-in under power but the odds will catch up with you and blow up the CIA's.
Look for a multi plug joystick adapter... cheap and easy

Hi Rednova

I'm sure you are already aware to never to plug or unplug something to an Amiga while it's powered ON.  As SACC says you might get away with it a few times, but, the damage done to CIA chips adds up each time.  First, that port will become unreliable, then it will stop working altogether.  It shouldn't be that much hassle to swap in a joystick before you power up for a session of Rocket Ranger.  RR is a fun game.

OTOH, I don't recall having a dongle for Brilliance.  Was this used on older versions?  It doesn't have a pass-thru?

[Tenacious]

I'm no expert.  It is my belief that any joystick with a chip for multiplexing many buttons would be more risky than the simple open switch type.  Most of mine have chips.

Certainly, static is an issue also, though I am less clear about how being powered off somehow helps that situation.  Winter is probably worse than summer.  YMMV.