[michaelt]

Personally I've never found simulation tools all that useful. Too many components that can't be simulated, like microcontrollers and simple components that just don't have a model available.

Perhaps you've been using better tools than me! What sort of tools do you use that make you think simulation is the most important feature?

[nraynaud]

I'm starting again electronics, but I was trying to design the power stage of a BLDC motor. So it's mostly about MOSFET half-bridges and their driving. In this case you have to check you are using every components in their ratings. If you are designing a battery-operated system it's also good to know about power consumption of your output stage.

And I totally agree about the components, if I add a connector for PCB routing purpose, I should be able to simulate anyways.