Whether the sim is 100% like the real thing isn't the point. It's enough like it that you can transfer what you've learned to the real world. Without it, you're just throwing money away. Or just as bad, dragging your feet like I did because you're afraid of busting up your heli.
Amen!! I can't understand why anyone would complain about it not behaving like the real heli. I honestly can't tell that much difference between the sim ( G2) and my two Raps (30 and 50). I guess alot of it depends on your computer's processor and graphics card. I'm using a Athlon 1800 processor, and GeForce graphics card. The frame rate is very fast and smooth. I also have the older sim, that requires the use of my 9CHP tx, instead of the USB controller, that the later version comes with. The only complaint I have is the depth perception isn't the same, but there's nothing you can do about that.
Had it not been for the sim, I wouldn't be flying heli's today. I actually bought the sim to help train with fixed wing, and had no intention of flying helis. Out of curiosity I played around with the helis, until low and behold I eventually began to hover & slowly fly around a bit. I abandoned my fixed wing and invested in my first heli (Venture). I never looked back. I've since built, setup and flown seven helis, including my current Rap 30v2, 50v2, and Shogun. I consider the sim a very important tool.
Mike