I'm no expert but I believe that the sim helps to one to start memorizing what controls do what. It is a great conditioner for the mind, eye hand coordination and allowing one to think 4-5 moves ahead. You are right it is not the real thing but the controls are the real thing. The sim lacks the excitment and the heart rate when you see something going wrong. But it will condition you to know what you need to do in a certain situation. Just my 2c worth.