My theory is this; we only wind up in the sim every six months. I think this is where we need to look at to see where the degradation in the competency of pilots stems from. I think that with the ever-increasing use of automation (as opposed to reliance) we have to get into the sim more often. Bring back the three-monthly sim routine! No, I didn't like it either, but I believe I felt more confident in that regime than I do under the six-monthly one.
Stick them in a C172 or a Drifter. Or better still a C185 once every 6 months between SIM's
Would remind them a heap, and reward many with fun and enthusiasm they have not had in years.
Many of the RPT pilots here do this anyway I know, and I wonder what they think it does for keeping their brains alert and muscle memory acute!
Chimbu Warrior and Chuckles would no doubt agree, what about the others?