Totally with you on the sim time. When SIMs are boring, tinywhoops indoors - though they all fly differently. Good on you for trying 3D, it looks fun as hell!
I don't have any modes other than AIR and ACRO on my RM Pocket (daily driver) but, if I try long-range again, there's a potential recovery trick by switching into Angle mode, centering pitch/roll stick while blipping the throttle. Hopefully that autolevels and then pushes the drone upwards where video signal is stronger. I might practise that. SIM would be perfect.
I like LiftOff too - it was my first sim. I use velocidrone on my mobile while travelling and Lyft too. All of them are fine!