I can answer some of these questions - had a sim ride yesterday...
Oleo - had an interview on a Friday, mid-Sept and was informed of the sim ride the following Monday by telephone, confirmed by email. I had two weeks' notice of the sim appointment but could have had three - HR offered me a choice of two dates for my convenience, which I appreciated.
Pipertommy - as I have no jet time, if I get the job (please God!) I will be doing the AHSC (Advanced Skills Handling Course) at CTC. This is a cut-down version of AQC - it lasts 5 days and includes 1 day on jet handling and aerodynamics (groundschool) and 16 hours in the sim. Price is £3000, which is included in the bond you pay J2. If you have jet time, the course is optional, though J2 may make you do it if 'your simulator performance suggests you may benefit'.
In summary - been very happy with my experience of J2. Their process has been well-organised, timely and the sim was less of a 'chop ride' than 1.5hours of enjoyable instruction with the challenge of improving all the time.
Just sitting on extremely crossed fingers now - hope they hurry up and tell me the verdict - good or bad...