Nevertheless... It is always good to think about it, outside the simulator. In the simulator we practice things we cannot practice in a real airplane (engine failure recovery, severe electrical failures), and that is what sims are there for.
Often when in cruise flight I let a certain scenario play through my mind, and try to solve it, and then discuss it with my captain. For instance: what would I do, when the captain got sick right now? Or where would we go with a fuel leak? What would be the best option with smoke in the cockpit, when flying in the middle of nowhere over Russia, instead of within 80nm of a very suitable airport as in almost every simulator scenario?
In the same row fits the Concorde accident... Where are good spots for a crashlanding after takeoff? etc. etc.
I don't think I can be prepared for eveything, but discussing every possibility with another pilot, when we're in cruise flight has enhanced my view on things greatly. And for that I don't need a simulator.
P77