I used to think the Microsoft sim was pretty awful and a waste of time when I was working as an IR instructor. The standard Microsoft aircraft are just toys, nothing more. Recently I had a change of heart when I tried some of the add on aircraft that you can buy. You can keep your scan up and increase your knowledge of complex types. For sure it's more than just a game and I hear X Plane is even better. Elite is okay but there are limited types of aircraft, mainly just steam guage stuff. I purchased myself a CH Products flight yoke which transforms the realism. 120 quid is quite steep but joysticks are too sensitive and a waste of time.