Andy,
A history of failures at Blackpool is a little harsh if aimed at the training facilities. True, Comed has had its fair share, but there are a number of long standing and secure schools and groups at Blackpool.
Some commercial operators have gone under due to reasons not connected to Blackpool Airport.
Don't let your friend be put off BPL, just have a good look around and get the training schools history. If in doubt pay lesson by lesson, your friend can always transfer to another school or airfield if not happy.
I would agree totally though that BPL should be maximising it's potential, but appears not to be. Perhaps if it wasn't council owned things would be better.
Regards
LF