Flight sims are very helpful at learning how to FLY. Not so good at learning how to take off or land.

There is a problem with maintaining your orientation as to where the plane is compared to the runway. The Flight sim puts you in a tunnel vision mode and you have no way to use peripheral vision or even body orientation (it automaticly swivels you like you were on a turntable) to judge WHERE the airplane is. You just have a passable idea of if its high and if its close to you or not.

Its impossible to hit yourself with the simulator. this is FAR from reality with the model.

The simulator never has a problem starting the engine.

I have seen a couple of simulators that scattered pieces when you crashed, and one even used to give a repair cost estimate. (the scattering pieces... I used to see how big a debris field I could make )

The simulatrs don't properly reperesent grond turbulence. Ground turbulence is a minor factor in winds under 5 mph... but here in TX, it you can't handle 10 to 20 (gsts to 30) you don't fly much.

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RE the field equipment: Untill you solo, you don't need to own a glow ignitor. If the instructor isn't there, you shouldn't be running the engine (because then you'll be temted to taxi... then taxi fast... then suddenly you have the darn thing in the air... 5 to 30 sec and you have toothpicks.)