It is experience. The regs allow you to count some sim time towards experience requirements. And they allow you to count landings and approaches flown in some sims toward currency. But part 1 defines flight time was when the "aircraft" first moves under its own power. A sim isn't an aircraft. I understand beginning pilots are desperate to reach time requirements. But once you reach 1500 hours no one cares. Or 1400 hours and 100 hours in approved sims. Beyond that it's hanger boasting. Says the guy with 22,600 hours and 400 hours in sims, not 23,000 hours.