Been on flightsim since day one myself. My Dad got me into it as a scamp. Haha...
Love virtual cockpits, just love 'em in FS2004.
Big VA guy myself. Fly for DCA (50 some hours) , and Execjet (over 200 hours). used to fly for Eastern, Was one of the first 20 pilots with with Metro, and co founded Capitol before it went under some years ago. (flying Coniies. Was great!)
Dual monitors? Got 'em.

Don't get on Vatsim much anymore though. Don't have the time....but, back in the early days, I was on there allll the time...
Real airplanes? about 600 hours.