most simulated instrument take offs involve the student going on to full instruments never below 2-500 ft.
That's new to me.
My initial training involved 10 hours under the hood from engine start to engine stop with the instructor pattering me through taxy and landings etc. as required ... including aerobatics.
Progressing to I/F training, I don't recall ever getting much more than to the intial pitch attitude in the takeoff flare before the hood/screens were up. It would have been earlier except that we would have been in each other's way.
200 - 500ft doesn't sound like any sort of I/F training I've ever seen or been involved with ?