I don't think it has changed. Its sim or scaryplane at the moment.
They wanted to change it to be sim only every other year but I understand that is still not the case. Talk to any examiner. They have to sign the books so they know the rules. Anyway its much more fun in the plane and if you want to keep the muti current probably cheaper. (I think I did 50 mins for my last IRR with multi rating and only one exam fee).