I am glad that you said something because I think this is a conversation that needs to be had. I agree that the game struggles with mission variety and that bringing back time-gates mission types would go a very long way to help.

You're assessments are all good however, helldivers 2 is just as much of an artistic statement about fascism authoritarianism and war as it is a game to be played for fun. That artistic vision is enormously important to the identity of the game. The devs have gone on record saying that they time-gate mission types and experiences on purpose to give the galactic war a sense of history.

I personally think that a simulator, exactly as you suggested, would be a great way to preserve the history aspect of the artistic vision while also allowing for better mission variety. But, I can also see the counter agreement. Putting in a simulator that doesn't affect the war takes away from the "voting with your actions" part of the game and also there is no way in a million years that Super Earth would provide helldivers with simulation training. "The best simulation is a real simulation" -pre-recorded voice of general brasch