I bought AC just because wanted to experience Nordschleife. Nah, that track wasnt included in the main package of 30€ so I tested some rounds at Spa, but just didnt got excited of it, and forgot it for a while.
Somewhat a week ago I bought the additional pack with Nordschleife, and THAT was exciting. I have had superfun times on Track Day servers at the tourist course. (then of course had to buy all extra packs to have all vintage cars...I love to drive the tuned Escort 1600 around that track)
I wouldn't laugh to AC, its just different like all other sims, it has its pros and cons. And its true it has lot to learn from LFS.
(While I had to install Steam, I also decided to test demo versions of Rfactor and Rfactor2, they also felt very weird, like AC felt at first feel. Now I insalled also free version of RaceRoom Racing... but I dont want to go offtopic more than that
)