I think I will stick with the free route as I have the time.
Yes indeed, "free" is a real pilot's favorite 4-letter "f" word.
You don't need a US medical under a validation. Your foreign licence must be fully valid (medically, and any other requirements from your home country) to be able to use your US validation.
Certainly a pragmatic approach to encourage general aviation.
Down here in FL, where there's a lot of training, you can get them for $50.