I think it has changed for the better. While MANY people here on this forum believe you HAVEto have an instuctor because that's the way they had to do it, doesn't mean that sims don't work. Technology is a beautiful thing!We still help each other,old or young I don't think that will ever change.
If it wasn't for the sims I wouldn't be in this hobby. With my schedual it's almost impossible for me to get together with an instructor. I chose a sim, It worked and i'm flying.I continue to hone my skills by watching,talking to alot of people and asking questions.