Hey rearview,
I also thought it was well worth it, although I have to say I didn't try any of the other sims. I got frustrated with inconsistencies from instructors, and have private land to fly on, and basically taught myself on G2. I had flown around occasionally before, but never took off or landed. It is definitely a little different in 'real life', but if you play around with G2 enough all the control input re. direction, controlling airspeed, etc., become so automatic that when you do go out with a real plane, you just need to get comfortable with that and not think about which way your fingers are moving. I have several planes, and never a crash, and never damage that would have kept me from going right back up. If you get it, play with the wind, and with the faster planes, it will help alot. Also, I just have to say, I have lived in a bunch of cities, and hands down the best group I have met in the hobby are the guys on the south side of Austin, they did fly off Slaughter Lane, and probably still do. If you are nearby, I'd try to get involved there. It'd been different for me had I stayed in Austin.
Good luck!!!