I'll chime in with my $0.02 - IR is tough. Probably one of the toughest to master.
I spent days
. Honestly. figured I had better go get a job at the supermarket.
I logged a lot of hours in that Frasca, some with an instructor, some on my own. But remember, with a sim, it can be set with no wind!! So, which is easier, figuring the basics out and then flying real world, or juggling with wind corrections at 8,0000, and wondering why it isn't working.
And, then one day, when you can't take it any more (teardrop, direct etc.), and think it's time for Sainsbury's trainee program, it clicks. And it becomes second nature.
So, I guess the long winded answer above agrees, sim first, then real aircraft. It will save you in the long run.
Good Luck