Simulator helps or not ?
I fly a basic trainer, could do some basic manoeuvers, landings were troublesome, (always ended up with some part broken - 1-2 hours repair) until I started to use a Sim a few weeks ago. Last weekend, I took my trainer out, flew it around, I was like I had been flying for years !! Took it everywere I wanted, loops, spins, corkscrews, inverted flight, something that looks like a hammerhead (it's hard to do with a trainer you know...), and all landing smooth a gentle. I had over 6 flights that sunday, and drove home with an intact plane, no more repairs needed !!
So in my opinion... the sim really payed off!!
I'm building an Easy Sport now, so that I can get a bit more into aerobatics!