You can't blame instructors for everything, Captain. We have to take responsibility for what we do ourselves. I was lucky to receive excellent training from non hour-builder instructors, who taught for the love of it and emphasised old-school flying skills. When I busted airspace as a newbie PPL, the chain of errors that led to this were all mine, and stemmed from my neglect to do what I had been well trained to do.
On the more general topic, I share the concern about the quality of instruction on offer at some establishments, and the unadventurous, ATC and GPS dependent pilots which this may produce, but would be cautious in generalising about standards now or in the old days, good or bad. I also agree with IO that, tough as it may be, if people can't afford to fly, they shouldn't try to. Sorry, but life is harsh.