There has to be something that a simulator can offer that does not
require the instructor to be present.

Much depends on the level of your simulator. If you have something like our
Penguin (see it he http://www.alexisparkinn.com/flight_simulator.htm )
you can learn a lot. If you're flying a mouse in front of your laptop, not
so much.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"