RE: Radio choice
I agree with John,,usable range if fine for all the top brands, and not something to base your choice on
You can get a Sim that comes with a mock controller,, those work fine,, also I wouldn't base my choice on it being compatible with a Sim.
But,,, If you want to use it with your BNF airplanes then that's a good reason to get the JR/Spec.
I've run Futaba and I've been happy with my equipment for over 30 years, but those BNF planes are not on the radar for me.. If they were I'm pick up a Cheap 6 channel JR Tx for just them, or a module for one of my older TXs
good luck