What advantage does simulation provide in complex systems analysis?

The advantage of simulation in complex systems analysis lies in its ability to enable cost-effective testing of hypotheticals. By using simulation, analysts can create models that emulate real-world processes and scenarios without incurring the expenses or risks associated with actual implementation. This allows for experimentation with various variables, conditions, and outcomes in a controlled environment.

Through this process, decision-makers can explore "what-if" scenarios, thus gaining insights into potential future states of the system, testing various strategies, and optimizing performance without the financial burden of real-world testing. This flexibility and cost-efficiency make simulations a powerful tool for understanding complex systems and informing critical decisions.

In contrast, other options such as increased time for decision-making, the elimination of all risks, and strict adherence to historical data do not align with the primary benefits of simulation. Increased decision-making time can be a drawback rather than an advantage; eliminating all risks is unrealistic, and while historical data may inform a model, reliance solely on it limits the exploration of new scenarios which simulation is designed to address.