"Mxsmanic" wrote in message

From the way people talk, I get the impression that it may be more fun
flying a simulator than the real aircraft today,

I don't think I would agree with you on that, although some might. De
gustibus.....

....but surely there is
simulator time available for "fun" or at least discretionary use for
pilots?

Those simulators probably cost way more to operate than a small plane, and
there ain't nothin' free in aviation. :-(