Didn't they have a way of training pilots without sims when the 737 was first certified? Why is this suddenly not appropriate now?
Why simulators may become a key issue in this case is that for example the Canadians appear to demand "MAX simulator" time before the MAX can fly again under their 'jurisdiction'. There is no clear definition of "MAX simulator" time yet. But in one scenario the availability of (enough) MAX simulators might determine if and when the MAX would be allowed to fly again.
I dont know if I understand the quote correctly ... but for clarity would like to add ... yes, some aircraft were 'born' without the benefit of simulators... if you go through the history of accident investigations you find the reasons why simulators have become essential tools... in that sense they are always appropriate.
In this specific case they may turn out to be even more important because of the pilot training failure suggested by a number of posters.
If the plane would turn out to be causal then simulators will be important. If training turns out to be causal then simulators will be important.