I have been flying for about 6 years now and have never owned a simulator. I have used one several times, and my brother owns real flight G2 which I borrowed for a couple months once, but it was not something I would put down $200 for.

I agree that if you don't have much/any rc experience, then it would help as it does teach you the control movements that are needed to fly. But in my experience, the planes on the simulator do not fly the same as they do in real life.

Thus, it is my opinion that you are better off applying the money you would spend on a simulator towards a real plane and go at it.