Off-track
This has drifted into the merits, or otherwise, of AB/EFT, when there are other more credible JAA FTO's in the USA who have all been in business a long time. Also, don't forget that plenty of people have lost loads of money or been ripped-off by UK FTO's so training here is just as risk-prone.
The notion that CAA offers any financial 'protection' in the UK is laughable.
Regulators are only interested in training standards, compliance, safety etc.
They will treat all FTO's the same, wherever they are located, and, guess what, without independent and/or documentary evidence will believe their examiner, or the instructor or engineer, rather than a dissatisfied student.
The other criticisms are spurious. Obviously, if you book a course or package deal you will have to pay when you book. Also, if you book, say, 4 weeks accommodation, you will get..... 4 weeks so you, not the FTO, decided the duration. However, I am sure none of the JAA-FTO's would have any problem in making more money if you preferred to pay-as-you-go at their 'a la carte' prices or if you wanted to stay & pay for longer
The only warning, applies anywhere, is make sure you have everything in writing and answers on potential extras such as fuel surcharges, books and headset cost, cost of exams, landing fees, does price include or exclude tax?
p.s. curious Erik has been instructing- is he a US citizen or working illegally?