I wonder if the cmake patch floating around can generate netbeans project files automatically.
As for why not using Windows API directly. For one, it would mean stealing the winproc from the app, which may steal it back. Though, I've come across some hook procedures that could listen to messages without having to rely on subclassing a window. In regards to its simplicity, I can't say as I haven't worked on trying that yet. Though, the DirectInput version for mouse/keyboard is not all that difficult.
DirectInput for joysticks will always stick around. Though, XInput will be added for newer controllers as well.