I'm probably at the same place on the curve. I started flying at 70 in November last year.
I did about 30 hours on the Simulator, before starting with my Apprentice in SAFE mode.
Now I'm buddy box flying with an instructor at the Club, on a gas engine Boomerang.
No crashes so far - touch wood.
It just takes a long time to develop good habits flying instinctively.
Cheers
Max