I'm in no position to pass comment, but I guess you could say CrazyBroadsword's clearly done something right as his/her students have successfully passed the quality check on training - the examiner!
However, seeing as I presume these 1500 hours were not wholly completed since January 2005 when the change was announced, it adds little sway to either argument.
I too have spoken to many students that did their first EOL on test and despite the nerves all said it was fine. Whether that was right or wrong I guess it adds strength to the argument that it is unnecessary to teach them during the syllabus?
It certainly has been interesting seeing the spread of opinion from students, instructors and owners from around the world