On Simulators as assist to IFR training.

[Gosh I hope this doesn't start a ridiculous thread]. xoxo.

Anyways, I'm working on my IFR ticket. I'm about 12 hours simulated and
actual instrument time in a real airplane, and able to put in about
another hour in a week. No problem "flying" the plane on the
instruments, but I find that putting everything together often results
in too much workload, and in particular, I feel I get a little rusty
with only an hour a week. But that's all I can fit in given the wx, a
job, and availability of a safety pilot or CFII...

Also, something happens when I put that hood on and fly that detracts
about 40 IQ points. I can figure heading reciprocals and for that
matter some trig in my head no sweat here on my chair. But tell me to
"hold on the 235 radial, right turns" and the GPS is saying I'm so many
degrees, miles to that VOR, and watch your six-pack of instruments,
while briefing for that NDB approach at the end of the hold; well I get
stumped and think like an inch a hour. I'm finding that regular
practice a few times a week is making that all better.

Any thoughts on simulators relative to ASA IP Trainer to keep in the
thought process and procedure of doing what I need to do?

I use ASA IP Trainer -- it seems quite good, but the product appears to
be very unsupported. The simulation experience -- visuals and control,
kinda sucks. It is nice however, in particular, the "CFII" behind the
scenes on ASA expects methodical precision more than any human
instructor which helps enforce the rhythm. E.g. if you set the
intercept radial before setting the timer (who cares, right), you'll get
a pile of crap about it and have to back up and do it in the right sequence.

My question: Can anyone contrast this with MSFS or XPlane for this
purpose? I'd be willing to invest in something better, but I don't have
the time to poke around for another simulator unless I know it will be
an improvement.

Thanks!
Tman