I would also suggest people download the free DCS World client and play around with the two free planes (P-51 trainer and SU-25) and go ahead and download some of the nicer free mod airframes like VSN's F4 and A4, and the excellent free blackhawk mod to get a taste of the helo. There is also a little bird free mod aircraft that I've been meaning to try.
In both cases, there is a bunch you can play with before deciding if there is anything you want to pay for. I don't see how anyone can have a problem with trying out some free stuff if you are into simming.
You can certainly spend a lot of money in DCS, but you can also get quite a lot free. Go make your own evaluation.
This DCS reluctance is one thing that baffles me. Whether you prefer WarThunder, IL-2, MSFS2020, or AcesHigh, you have available to you (via DCS) a P-51 Mustang that is as accurate as a civilian can get. It comes with full documentation, training tutorials, and is FOREVER FREE. It will teach you everything about a P-51 EXCEPT ordinance delivery. It is supported and updated by the developer and is "state of the art" in flight simming. The ONLY thing it costs you is some hard drive space and the time you wish to take playing with it.
The only better deal would be if someone GAVE you a REAL P-51 and committed to paying for all your training and maintenance costs.
Just like watching a documentary or reading a book, learning to operate a prop driven tail dragger with a hyper accurate flight model can only enhance your playing experience in other sims/games.
Then add in a FREE A-4 Skyhawk and you have a early jet with ordinance delivery, air to air refueling, carrier operations, and multi-player available to you. Again, all this only costs you hard drive space and as much time as you are willing to spend.
All this is not in lieu of your favorite game/sim. It is a FREE GIFT with no time limit.
To me it is hard to believe people in this hobby would refuse a free, supported, state of the art flight sim IN ADDITION to their sim/game of choice.