im was a gamer and i am a rc'er who started flying with a trainer took a few weeks where weather was bad and used a simulator the whole time and the next time i went out i soloed. my trainer was impressed enough that when get got the chance he got one too. he started flying heli's and was able to advance with its help and also it helped him feel more confident with his flying as well. i do agree that in some ways its harder. but crashing a simulated plane is way less heartbraking