I agree not realisitc at all (even with a pedals, cyclic and collective controls).
I did find it (FS4) very useful for navigation practice (with VFR scenery). It also really helped me with multitasking during simulated cross country runs i.e. establishing a good routine for scanning outside, instrument scan, DI aignment and navigation.
I also added in radio calls for good measure. Strangely I never got an answer except once when my wife said that my dinner was on the table. I walked away from the controls at 2000' and lived to tell the tale !!!
Ian