The R22 is a fine training machine, except for practicing auto's, where it provides probably the smallest safety margins of any machine I can think of. I never enjoyed auto's in the 22. They are more fun in the 44, but I use the word "fun" somewhat loosely.
But...
This is much like the grass vs. pavement argument. If all you've ever had is grass to practice on, and you didn't experience any significant issues in doing so, then you are going to be happy with grass, or at least accepting of the risk it presents. The same is true for training in the R22. If it's all you've got access to, monetarily or otherwise, this definitely has an affect on your risk-related decision making. I would much rather have trained in, say, a 407. And be flying one today for everything I do. Alas, my choices are fly what I can afford monetarily, or don't fly. Everyone already knows how that decision will sort itself out!