Agreed Major

practising on the sim is all about "grooving" instant control responces without having to think about them, NOT realism of flight.

I would have to say though that the 95% realism of a good sim (I have AFPD) does make for more enjoyable and realistic flying.

Some models are harder than the real thing and some are easier. The Weston Hype 3d on AFPD is very realistic and I use it a lot.

The Giles is too easy and the Shockies are more difficult than the real thing.