At the time American Airlines had been teaching the use of rudder to help in upset recovery.
That had nothing to do with simulator fidelity pe se. It was faulty training by the company instructors. The main factor in unusual attitude recovery training in simulators is interpretation of the flight instrument indications. The recovery action from an unusual attitude is basically the same for all aeroplanes. It is taught during initial instrument rating training on single and twin engine trainers .
It is when that recovery is in IMC where instrument interpretion is the vital factor. Whether or not in the simulator it is with or without motion doesn't matter. The flight instrument indications are the same.
In USA there are specialised flying schools that teach unusual attitude training on dual seat single engine jet trainers or turbo-props. That training has excellent value even though these aircraft do not handle like a big jet. Does that mean this training is therefore negative because the feel does not accurately reproduce a 737 or Airbus? Of course not. Because the accent is always on instrument scan and interpretation - not control forces.