Replay Mode...is it close to release?

Yes - this is EXACTLY what I would like to see:
The same as FSX, where you can for example replay the landing from the wing view (my favourite).

A replay function without this capability would be of no interest to me at all.

I am no software expert, but I imagine it would be a whole lot easier for Asobo to do this than a 3rd P dev?

I’m almost tempted to jump back into FSX to do a few landings, just to have this pleasure again…