As far as learning the mechanics of Model aircraft most people will need some guiedance, but not everyone. Most models that are built today either ARF's or RTF's have very good manuals with important steps to allow a novice to set the CG as well as set up the control throws to the manufacturers reccomended start points. If the plane is an electric then engine tuning is not much of a problem as long as the builder follows instructions. If they choose a glow motor the Evo .46 comes out of the box ready to run with very little tuning needed.
I'm surprised you guys let this one get by. Unfortunately, the manuals are only OK, and beginners may make errors they don't even realize. For example, three EVO46 engines I've dealt with in the past year were NOT ready to run out of the box. In fact, the limiters on both the high and low speed were way off. I've seen new RTF and ARF trainers that didn't have the hinges glued in correctly that would have come off in flight. I've seen horizontal stabilizers that wobbled and probably would have fluttered to death if flown. There are a host of things that can go wrong that an experienced instructor will find in a few minutes, but the beginner will only theorize about when he/she is staring at the remaining pile of balsa.
Simulators are a tool that supplement the instruction. I used one when I was learning, and it definitely shortened my learning curve. Yes there are those that have successfully learned to fly with the simulator without an instructor. But when it comes to learning, the most effective thing to swallow is your pride. Otherwise, you're wallet will suffer. Its been said that experience is a good teacher, but its better to learn from the mistakes of others. There are just to many mistakes to make to try to learn from just your own. Its also said that good judgement comes from experience - experience comes from bad judgement.
Brad