I find it amusing that those complaining about the system, are yet to actually do it. Perhaps time and experience might enlighten them, but I doubt it.
The brush-ups/revision I have run certainly did contain formal instruction in addition to practice exams, feedback & exam tips/techniques. It's the little tips & tricks that aren't written in any book that makes the difference, also the way an instructor puts the point across often makes the penny drop.
Even if the brush-up wasn't mandatory I can assure you this wouldn't bother me (or other schools I suspect) as the VAST majority of students can't wait to be given pearls of wisdom from experienced instructors. QED old CAA system.
I should be the first the say the system isn't perfect but learn to live with it and bend with the wind. When JAA is finally replaced I suspect the new system might contain even more requlations, so get studying NOW.