If simulation is so different from real flight, it should be instantly
obvious that I'm simulating. If it's not obvious, then that aspect of
simulation is probably not different.

Uh oh, we've crossed an existential barrier here that is becoming
fuzzier all the time. When will virtual reality become
indistinguishable from "reality"?

Are your experiences in the sim valid, if they precisely reproduce
reality? Yes, in many respects, they are. However, as good as MSFS
is, it simply does NOT precisely reproduce reality, especially in the
standard simmer's set up.

I don't know what kind of computer rig you're running flight sim on,
but from past posts I am presuming a standard PC with a joystick. I
can guarantee you that this is not a valid reproduction of flight, and
therefore invalidates your advice and observations on many aspects of
flight.

That said, you *might* be a good source of knowledge regarding IFR
procedures, depending on how religiously you reproduce the
experience. As many people have pointed out, a sim is an excellent
IFR trainer, as IFR flight is closer to "programming" than real flying
in many phases of flight.

(Oooo, that one is gonna hit a few sore spots! Donning flame-proof
suit... ;-)

It won't, however, allow you to comment on the IFR flight experience
itself, since you can't possibly reproduce the "leans" that you get
when flying in the clouds, nor can you feel the actual emotional
release you get when you break out at minimums.

Basically, your contentions are invalid, and will be invalid until you
are able to afford a more advanced full-motion simulator. And even
THEN many of your observations will be invalid, simply because it's
not real.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"