I wasn't trying to rake the UK vs US coals again, merely commenting that the Visa and TSA aspects are not a big deal (I have just done it). I am a fairly frequent US visitor and generally enjoy going there. Tacking a holiday with my wife onto the end of the training made the flights free (in my head).
The ability to use your own aircraft in Spain is a plus (mine is maintained to Private cat. standards so not allowed for training) and given a choice of tapas and Rioja vs burger and root beer - well, you might have a point.