I totally disagree with you, you're making judgement on a person based on your own experience or that of other (potentially) burned out drivers (often with long careers at regional level).
I know of a pilots with 14K+ totally absorbed by their r/c hobby or flight sim hobby, building and developing planes in both. Capt Shah was even cooperating and helping a flight sim software developer to produce T7 sims.
Professional pilots flying flight sims at home - in the short haul sector at least - is more of an exception then a rule. Or at least pilots don't tell, don't ask. Admittedly, the long haul sector I know little about and perhaps the lack of landings/take offs - and my imagination may be able to stretch so far - is reason for having fun in a computer sim. If capt Shah had a business or interest on the side helping to develop sims, now that is an ENTIRELY different story and I would cordially withdraw any of my comments if that's the case.