Well, the main breakthrough is undoubtedly the photo-realistic world. IFR pilots don’t care, looking outside is cheating. 
Yes, I agree, this is the first time I can use a simulator out of the box, take any map and start flying VFR. Spotting a remote farm in the middle of nowhere, which confirms that I’m on the right track, is something I’ve never enjoyed in a simulator until now.
I really appreciate the updates (well, not the one with the peaks…). The improvements of some parts of the world give the possibility to discover new places. And I was a bit amazed to receive the AIRNAV updates the same day they were released IRL.