I've come to the conclusion that regardless of whether one uses an amp, two amps, a sim, a sim + an amp, an amp and a pedal, a sim and a pedal, DI or line out or whatever, ultimately doesn't matter. It's about preference and if you care enough, you'll get sounds you are happy with, regardless.
I use all kinds of methods to record guitars and bass. With bass I might use a bass amp or a guitar amp or the two amps {and blend} or DI or DI, amp and line out or even a sim like the Behringer BD121 or any combo etc. I might use my 5 string or my fretless acoustic 4 string bass guitar through its pick up to any of those combinations or singularly through an amp. I might use fingers or a pick or a thimble. One of my favourite sounds is the 5 string through the BD121.
They all have their uses though and they all get an airing ~ with dynamic or condenser mics.