Personally I would agree and go for the Aeros, as Evo says it does a lot for both your handling skills AND your sense of where you are in the air ("good situational awareness" for those who are into buzzwords), both of which will actually help you when you finally do go on to the IMC. As far as saving your bacon goes I reckon the Aeros come out tops there as well as you are more likely to then be aware, if you get into handling difficulties, how to sort it out.
Also of course Aeros ARE more fun!!
