Hopefully this article will not be taken too seriously, mainly as it second-hand, uninformed rubbish.
There is formal flying training, it is just not EFTS. There is still a flying syllabus. It is just different. Students achieve first solo, solo sector recce, solo aerobatics, solo formation, solo nav - how do you think this is achieved without formal flying training?
As has been stated above - students get out what they put in. There may not be dozens of QFIs on every UAS, but as usual we manage to do as much, if not more, with less. I am constantly amazed by the enthusiasm, time and effort put into the sqn by the students.
Flying Instruction, Sports, Charity, Social, Adventurous Training, Force Development, OASC Preparation, Engagement. It all happens, and the UAS is not a sleepy backwater for any member of the staff. It is a pleasant change from an operational tour, but it is still 'kin busy.
Anyway, there's my opinion. But what would I know, I am only dealing with the facts every day, rather than reminiscing about the good old Cold War days and assuming I know everything about today's Royal Air Force and what is best for it.