Piece of advice for the sim. If your instructor wants to sign you off after lesson 8, take the sign off. If you don't need the extra training then don't take it. I've seen crews ask for the extra 2 'just to freshen up' and the instructor not signing them off only to hit the training wall and bust the check ride. Study hard, chair fly, and ask questions. The ones not getting through are those not putting in the effort outside of the classroom/sim. The second half of the program is busy, expect it. Study on your own. Chapter 4 and 7 of the POH should be your best friend.