I don't know what other simulators look like, so I won't comment on them. I can only speak about the realflight G3.5 that I play with.
I was just instructed how to view the 'Instructor Training Movies' that come with RealFlight. They are really informative. I'm learning a bunch just practicing.

I think practicing on a simulator is the best way for me to learn. I Know that I would crash a helicopter if I just went out and tried to fly it without the sim training.