Simulation
I think simulation is irrelevant if:
1. the pilot knows what's coming
2. the pilot knows he's not going to die.
It's another story when you rotate, the plane is not behaving as expected, and you find yourself fighting for your life.
I've flown 'heavy metal' for 35 years, including 5 years on MD-80.
I've always appreciated [U]mechanical[U] checklists; when conscientiously used by all crew members they can prevent embarrassing moments.