We don’t use a simulator. We are using a formula-based approach. The absolute value of the number we come up with may or may not be exactly what people expect, but the relative values work well for picking the gear.
We hesitate to show the actual DPS numbers because that would end up being distracting - the relative values are good and are working well, but as soon as we show the absolute DPS number people will want us to keep tweaking the formulas until those numbers match logs, even though it isn’t necessary for picking gear.
We could possibly make a way to compare talent builds… although for some classes it would be harder than others because the “rotation” becomes a little ambiguous with certain talent selections. That is something to consider - but so far our intention was to stick with optimizing gear only.