Surprising my questions got such a big number of responses. Seems I have touched on a highly debatable topic.
Reading arguments from both sides I am still mostly on the fence. I was happy to pay for the BAK exam as it was a long exam and indeed the instructor could be flying in that time, but still unsure about the others as they were more of a "quiz" than an exam.
Someone mentioned "customer perception" in one of the earlier replies and I think it was a very good point. Personally I think to be charged $50 for a couple of quick "quizzes" is steep.
Otherwise I am happy with my training and instructor(s). Obviously this is not a reason for me to switch schools. I made enquiries to a lot of schools and even thought about moving out of town, as there wasn't too many options in my area.