Funny how your story sounds just like mine young fella. I played flight sim from time to time when I was in middle school (in my time it was the first VERY basic version) then again a few years later i bought a much more advanced version and bought a joystick so I would stop using the mouse and keyboard.
Well l can tell you that was a change in the feeling of the aircraft on my PC.
But more importantly, the instructors I had for my discovery flight, my PPL and Instrument ratings were amazed by my handling skills. And I'm talking several instructors from several countries. I finished my PPL just a little over minimum time, and was ready for my IR in less than minimum time (of course had to fly more to get to that minimum before the checkride)The only problem was when doing VFR manoeuvers, I had an over tendency to look at my instruments instead of outside! And I know of at least one other student who had a breeze through training back at my school. And this guy would play those online flying networks all the time.
So, in conclusion I would say it definately helps and will give you the edge over other students as far as basic aircraft handling and basic attitude instrument (saves hours and $$) but also basic RT phraseology.
Then again I said basic, so the rest of your pilot abilities will come through hard work, studying, and of course, real life flying.