Yeah I definitely agree that variety makes a massive difference. I was thinking more about realism in terms of gameplay/mechanics rather than graphics though, like whether accurately recreating waiting, repetition or complicated real-life systems can actually make a simulator less enjoyable to play.
If you are trying to impliment realistic wait times, then you should avoid it. It makes the game boring if not implemented well. Like in games like GTA, player can do side quests while the waiting time is going on. If you can implement this then the real-life system you are talking about will work well.