I wholeheartedly agree with the guys at your field. If you and your instructor don't mind a longer learning process, you don't NEED a simulator. However, if you want to solo quickly, a simulator is the key. After a few hours on RF G2, I went to the field with my plane. I landed my third flight, and officially soloed after my sixth flight. I am not alone in this type of experience. Read the simulator forum.

A few things I like about RF G2:
- the ability to change ANY parameter of the plane and see the results (CG, control throws, engine size, etc).
- the ability to change the wind direction, speed, gustiness, thermals, etc.
- how incredibly close it comes to the "real thing".

I'm sure there are more, but I can't think of them right now.

I can't compare RF G2 to any other simulator because I don't have experience with the others.

RF G2 cost me about $350 after having to upgrade my video and sound cards. If I had to do it over again, would I? In a second.