I think that this thread is a very pertinent indication of the direction of the piloting profession. The side argument between the original poster and guppy also accurately reflects how strongly held opinions on the matter can derail the entire discussion.
I think that PBL is on the right track with this insight:
200 hours programming a veridical simulator will be preferred over 1500 hours teaching people to fly C152s by most airlines, for good reasons. Not tomorrow necessarily, but in ten to twenty years.
Though my opinion on this facet is different. I dont think it will happen in the US, it may happen within that timeframe in Australia and in the UK it has already happened.