Silvia SharpeI for tier 6 of the simulator I used all of the debug tools and made a quicksave have cleared it twice on Very hard and it is a PITA. The rewards are much higher credits though not really worth the headache of attempting to clear the level. My advice just go as far as you can and save yourself the aggravation.
It's not as hard if you wait to do it until you've maxed shields, engines, ship weapons, etc.
You can actually get two allied ships from the console. Not sure if that's common knowledge. It helps though.
The rewards are really too low for how hard it is. Seems like there should at least be an achievement for it or something.