Re: Logging instument time
No.
I assume you mean Class A airspace rather than above FL180 (there are areas where you can fly VFR above 18,000 msl). In order to fly in Class A, yes, you must have an instrument rating and be on an instrument flight plan. But being on an instrument flight plan doesn't automatically entitle anyone to log actual instrument time.
To log actual instrument time, you need to be in cloud and or visibility conditions that prevent you from being able to control the by simple looking out the window.
Lots of folks are pretty familiar with the famous "moonless night" FAA Legal opinion, which says that even a VFR-only pilot can log actual if the conditions are right, although technically VFR. But people are less familiar with the definition of "actual" that the opinion contains:
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"Actual" instrument flight conditions occur when some outside conditions make it necessary for the pilot to use the aircraft instruments in order to maintain adequate control over the aircraft.
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As to your second question: simulators. really good ones.