The thing is that places like ERAU are shifting from Part 141 flight schools to Part 142 flight schools. What this means is even less time in the air and more time in a simulator.
Yep, simulators are great, but they do not simulate the experience of doing something stupid and surviving it. Simulators are a controlled environment whereas the real world is, well, real.
Ref Below:
FAR Part 141
Pilot School Requirements
This part prescribes the requirements issuing pilot school certificates and the general operating rules applicable to a holder of such a certificate.
For example:
Flight instructors must be certified under Part 141 to be able to teach students enrolled in such a course.
A FAR Part 141 pilot school can offer a private or commercial pilot course with less than the hours required under Part 61.
FAR Part 142
Aviation Training Centers
This part prescribes the rules governing the certification and operation of aviation training centers and provides an alternative means to accomplish training required for a pilot certificate.
For example:
Training accomplished in a course conducted by a training center certified under FAR Part 142 of this chapter using an approved flight simulator or approved flight training device (FTD) representing the category, class, and type, if applicable, of aircraft appropriate to the rating sought.