My own thoughts about the IR sim usage. Unless you are very confident in your ability to pass the IR with just the minimum of 15hrs ME time, don't consider using the max 35hrs FNPTII time. You'll feel like Cptn Capacity in the sim whereas ATC will seldom route you according to your FPL and will work you like a dog in the air. With personal hindsight I reckon I would have been better off with 15 hours in the FNTPII max, just enough for an instrument refresher and to cover the routes. Also, not using the max sim time, may leave some time for some cross-country IFR which will probably expand your capabilities too.
All assuming UK.