I used a yoke with MS FS 2002 and found it OK, possibly a bit more precise than a stick.
The Sims are good for practising radio nav and also as a procedure trainer, for example, doing your rejoin FREDA or downwind checks.
You can also use them to practise RT while flying: request a MATZ penetration etc.
I see with FS 2002 you can introduce failures during a flight - haven't used that fuctionality yet but will be interested in having a gander.