> Properly used, the simulator can greatly decrease the time
> before solo. Improperly used, it can cause problems for
> months to come.

I've been building my first kit, after 15 years out of the hobby, for wo years (damn home improvement takes all my spare time). During this time, I was practicing with FMS. It took me only one flight with an instructor to realize that I could fly myself. Flying ever since, no bad habits that I can think of.

Disclaimer: All my crashes were due to radio malfunction, including one "wife interference".