I think SIM's are a great learning tool as do a lot of other people. I did 3 months on G3 and was able to hover nose in the first pack on my TRex. The SIM will teach you stick movement which in the beginning is a blessing. To many people have learned from them to discount them. This in not to say that you can fly in real life like the SIM but it does help.

Just my .02

Tony