Hi Diamond, yes its all true, I havent heard about it second hand I completed the course in August and did the base check last Monday...It was via Rhandem, I know they havent had the best publicity recently due to some issue with an Indian Airline and some other problems in Florida but I personally had no probs.
Euros 15,900 Books, CBT, posters, 1 week ground school and SIM sessions
(3 x 4hrs Static SIM, 8 x 4hrs Full motion, 1 x 2hrs Skills test)
Euros 5,000 T & Goes via Sterling
= Euros 20,900 @ 1.48 (Rate at the time I paid) = 14,121 pounds..Price includes VAT
However as you said if you're not up to scratch by the time of your skills test you will pay for extra SIM sessions, luckily enough this wasnt the case for me and i'm not perfect i've partialed skill tests before..
http://www.randhem.com/Info/SimpleText.aspx?MenuID=72
The price for the SIM, books etc now says Euros 16,200 but I paid 15,900 for sure..
Anyway check the web page or ring them up and hear it first hand if you still disbelieve me...