Wayne Paul writes:

In my real life experiences the simulators were exact replicas of
the aircraft cockpit.

An exact replica would include pressure changes from altitude changes or
pressurization, and I rather doubt that the simulators you used had that
feature.

The point being, of course, that different simulators serve different
purposes. Each simulator is adapted to simulate whatever is relevant to its
purpose.

Some full-motion simulators have visuals that are worse than Microsoft Flight
Simulator, simply because visuals are not relevant to their purpose (which
often emphasizes instrument flight or procedures, not pilotage).

Its' purpose was to provide a platform for developing emergency procedures,
crew coordination, thus enhancing flight safety.

Then presumably it simulated aspects of the real aircraft relevant to these
purposes. How well did it simulate magnetic compass anomalies?

If "simmers' don't fly then a simulator is nothing more then an aviation
related toy with which they can play with while pretending to be pilots.

You're entitled to your opinion.

P.S. You use the term "aircraft" which in the U.S.A has a broader
definition then the term "airplane."

Yes, I know, thank you.