The Air Force has, with Tri-service support, contracted for research, development and demonstration of the modular simulator concept known as HAVE MODULE. Reactions to the concept, as developed by this program, have ranged from frank disapproval to open acceptance, but the most common is "What can HAVE MODULE do to help me with my problems?" In this paper, an attempt is made to answer this question. A dream of an ideal simulator development program is contrasted to often dismal realities. The contributions of the modular simulator concept that help achieve the ideal are discussed from a practical point of view, with emphasis on subcontracting. Some problems are described that the concept can help avoid and some that it will not. Lessons learned from the application of the concept to the demonstration, which was 75% subcontracted, and other projects in the specification stage are discussed. Recommendations are made for the future HAVE MODULE based programs.