RE: Do we still need trainer aircraft??
I think I understand your question, I would say that with enough time on a good simulator you could probably get away with going straight to a docile 2nd plane like a 4*40 or a U CAN DO on low low rates. Both are VERY docile flyers and are easy to fly if you have the basics of flight MASTERED on a good simulator. However there is no way, NO WAY I would go over to real planes without help if you have a person ANY experienced person to help you. There is no need to prove you can do it alone. Its a dumb and pointless financial and more important safety risk to try to fly a real plane without human invervention.