Sorry about the crash, Sparse! It sounds like you have a good attitude about it.
As far as parts...yeah, definitely look into amainhobbies...I've ordered from them many times and it usually takes about 3 days for them to get my order, process it, pack it, and get it to me...that's from California to NE Indiana. Ya just gotta love 'em!
In regard to the sim....definitely get one...every new rc pilot should have one. I don't care if it's Phoenix, Real Flight, or any other sim. It really does help.