Hi,
To answer your questions. Ryanair use the 800 sim but the screens are set up to show conventional instruments. So you dont have speed tapes etc you have conventional ASI etc on the screens.
Autothrottle is only used on takeoff (TOGA mode) after that its all manuel flying so no autopilot, flight director or autothrottle.
Yes they are currently recruitining cadets and direct entry captains. Id say a wait of between 2/3 months between applying and getting called(if your going to get called) is realistic.
If you get a call I would recommend doing some sim time. Before mine I did some time in a motion 737-200 but my sim partner done some in a fixed base 737-400 we both got it so I dont think it makes too much difference. Id go to which ever one is cheaper!
There is already a thread running on Ryanair interviews so have a look at that too.
Good luck with your application.