Peter, without intending insult to anyone, do you feel the the futility of
continuing this thread? I read your posts as attempting to debate the
subtlety of music with a deaf person who has never the less studied music
books for years.

This thread reminds me of a CFI friend who raved about his new student
following a first lesson. The student ace'd the written and his years of MS
sim flying made him really smooth. There was no doubt he'd solo fast. After
the second flight my friend complained that the student wasn't looking
outside enough and had no feel for the controls. Following the third flight,
during a portion of which he covered the panel with the sectional, my friend
came back wondering if the student would even make it to solo. In the end
the student did ok and made his PPL in about average time. The lesson I
walked away with is that books and simulation can make you Talk the Talk,
but seldom Walk the Walk.

The best I think Mxsmanic can do at this time is to pony up the money for
three flight lessons, and the sim will "feel" very different from then on.
Depending on the age, money can come from birthday cash, early holiday
(christmas?) gift, or a credit card (30 euro dollar per month min payoff).
Little risk, lots of gain. Good flight.