While I kinda understand the argument to a certain extent (Playing Guitar Hero is nothing like really playing a guitar), as someone who tried to learn classical guitar and has played a lot of Guitar Hero, I think there are some aspects that match up. I still feel the anxiety when I know there is a tough part coming up. I try slowing things down to try to get down the difficult parts. And, as much as I practice, it never seems to come natural for me.

I think the real value in the Guitar Hero series is music appreciation, or at least appreciation for guitar-based rock from the 70s on. There is a lot of music here that a lot of young people probably wouldn't get exposed to unless their parents listened to it. It also allows you to appreciate how easy or difficult a song is to play and helps a bit to focus on the structure of a song. Yes, in a simplistic way, but for the young and the layman, it is good enough. If it helps to foster a lifelong love of music, I can't see the harm.