Originally Posted by LarryJ

Sounds bad, but only because the people reading it don't have the context of being 737 pilots.

The MAX is not significantly different than the NGs that it replaced. Cockpit displays are a lot better and convey more information in a better format. The weather radar is significantly better. The gear handle doesn't have an "OFF" position so you have to be careful that you don't try to put it in "OFF" after takeoff as you do in an NG. Then there are some behind the scenes changes that improve handling with full flaps (the NG would roll back and forth with flaps 40), help you land in the correct attitude (to prevent the nose gear from touching down first), and to maintain a consistent control feel with the NGs.

What has not changed is the runaway stabilizer procedure. That has existed since the first 737 rolled off the assembly line in the 1960s and in every airliner since the 1950s. The change is that there is an additional system which also has the capability to produce a runaway stabilizer situation if it activates when it shouldn't.

Back in 2012 I earned my B757/B767 type rating (for a different airline). All of my simulator training was in B767 simulators. In fact, all of my sim training was in a B767 simulator with GE (simulated) engines and a first generation FMS (flight management system). My checkride was in a B767 simulator with P&W (simulated) engines and Pegasus (3rd generation) FMS. When my checkride was fished I received type ratings for both the B767 and the B757. While the 757 and 767 cockpits are very similar, the airplanes have significant differences particularly in the hydraulic systems, steering system, flight controls, and equipment cooling. The handling characteristics during takeoff and landing are also quite different. Similarly, an A320 type rating qualifies a pilot on the A318, A319, A320, and A321. Short courses are available for A320 pilots to transition to the A330 or A340 with just a few days of training (an initial course lasts about 6 weeks). So, it really isn't unusual for a short differences course to gain qualifications on a new variant of the same type aircraft.