Not Sid Meier, but another great quote was Will Wright (Sim City), when building a helicopter game 'Attack on Bungling Bay' had more fun making the map parts join together and roads line up - it changed his experience such that his next game was Sim City.

"Building is more fun than breaking" - (may be paraphrased).

What kind of pure sims you have in mind? I'm also looking for some games in that category.