I'd have to say the opposite: distance learning is a much better and quicker option. You already know 90% if it so sitting through "this is a wing" will be a waste of time. With self study you can motor through it, stopping to actually study the bits that are new to you. One of the peculiarities of the 'system' is that the authority writes the exam questions but not the training material - leaving the ATOs to 'guess' what to teach you.. Hence why everyone relies on question banks.