On the one hand, I have to agree. The game, in its present condition, would have gotten me fired if I was responsible for either the dev or the QA.
On the other hand, not everyone who plays MSFS - 20 or 24 - is in it for the “fleas on the back of the fleas on the back of those fleas” realism. Some of us “just wanna have fun”.
Take me for example:
I’d really like to spend time trying to learn how to really fly in a realistic manner, but then I get distracted. I get distracted by the sheer fun of being able to fly - even if in fantasy-mode. I have fun exploring. I have fun spending time on these forums trying to shine some light on someone else’s problems - or getting help with the stupid newbie problems I have.
It turns out that, for me, the complexities of precision approaches and trans-Atlantic commercial tubeliner flights, or the “thrills of search and rescue missions” doesn’t really do it for me. I’m here to relax.
I spent almost my entire life stressing over other people’s problems and worrying about the next software release, or will product “X” pass FAA certification and qualification so it can be used on airliner “Y”? Or can I resurrect a multi-million dollar high-profile project from going down the tubes with the Department Of Defense, BUNAV, BUAIR, and the FAA breathing down my neck?
I’ve worked hard and I saved my kopeks so that I can enjoy my retirement with my wife, son, and granddaughters and I am glad to have access to a simulator like this - warts and all - that I can actually use and enjoy, using levels of technology that would have gotten me classified Top Secret so fast there would be a hole in the air if I had it ten or fifteen years ago.
IMHO, if I’m not having fun doing what I’m doing, I’m obviously doing the wrong thing.
As Henry Thoreau said: “The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation” - and I swore to myself I would never be that man. Especially not with a game, so I chill. Does that make me less of a man or less of a pilot? I think not. I find my fun where I can.
What say ye?