Launch pad / simulator

[Biggin Hill]

Hi,
Launch pad thing worth while ?
Or bit of 'cardboard' cheaper option ?
I can see makes sense - where I've been trying to fly, grass area.
Though mostly palm landing.
But a couple of times 'forced' landing.
So guess stuff could foul props ?
Also scaredy scaredy custard would like to know if the simulator in the Go ap should be done properly before trying to fly via RC ?
Does it really help learning ?

Thanks