RE: First plane
A simulator is worth it's weight in gold IMHO.
There are things you can practice with a good simulator that you would be hard pressed to try with your real plane.
The Sim will vastly decrease the amount of time it will take you to develop that "muscle memory" needed to react appropriately with your real plane.
They are indeed an AID and WILL NOT replace stick time, but they WILL greatly reduce the amount of stick time required usually ten fold.
A Simulator will pay for itself in what you will NOT end up breaking, and they will let you practice when you cannot get out to the field or the weather is inclement.
Just the opinion of an older pilot who also happens to be a certified instructor.