In a nutshell, simulators do just that. They simulate a situation and give you a chance to react as if it were a real scenario. In our case, the sims out there today give you a chance to get your hands and head together to form that all important picture in your mind. You can build confidence, memory skills and it's good therapy. A big part of our hobby flying is memory.
To me being on the sim is practice and not a game. I happen to use G2 because it can grow with me and what I happen to be dealing with at the time. Whether it be aerobatics, rolling circles or hanging on the prop, it gives me a chance to react in a way not unlike being at the field. NASA is a wonderful example of the importance of simulation. Use it as a tool. I Turn off the flaming farm animals, picket fences and fancy flying fields and concentrate on improving some skills.