For some independence is good but for others its a big minus. Because when I shall do APS the reason nr. 1 is to learn as much as possible....... BUT reason nr. 2 is to get quickest possible call for an assessment from the airlines. A guaranteed assessment is a big plus from my point of view. So even if I like what VA put on their website about their APS MCC I would still prefer a provider that give a guaranteed assessment with an airline after being successful in their program.
As for Ryanair then there is another provider of APS MCC: AFTA but they have not put any info about the course on their website yet.