If they can make the parts amenable to simulator training excellent, then they can focus on fewer goals during real-world training. The result (if done right) is first-class training for the price that would produce lesser training if it was all done in the real world. If one of my kids is going into combat, and whatever the training budget, I want the right parts of it done in simulators to get the most bang for the bucks available.
I’m with you on the value of simulators, to a point. I’ve used them, although I’m sure the ones we used before I retired are sort of quaint by now. They did simulate recoil through an air pressure system, and magazine changes and stoppage drills were included. I’ll assume the current version is even better.
However, keep in mind that had they had simulators in 1939, the US military would have put our Soldiers, Sailors and Marines thousands of hours of simulated trench warfare, battleship engagements and cavalry charges.
Technology is awesome, but the real problem is to overcome the human tendency to train for the last war and not the next one.