Bob Myers writes:

But the simulator experience you're talking about is absolutely
meaningless without real-world flight experience.

I don't share that opinion, nor is it widely held.

In fact, it's possible to pursue simulation as an end in itself. It does have
certain advantages that real flight does not.

For that matter, the "simulator" in your case really isn't one.
It's a computer game, something which is VERY far removed from
what the airlines call a simulator.

Clearly, it's been a long time since you last used a desktop simulator.

It is, in fact, absolutely nothing like a real simulator, and
essentially useless for meaningful flight training.

The U.S. military disagrees with you, and has for the past decade (that is,
through several versions of MSFS). So do many pilots, flight schools, and
instructors.

In general, it can be said that anyone who absolutely dismisses or worships
flight simulation is misguided or has some sort of ax to grind.