I have done all the necessary briefs, 23 of them, and know them and not just able to reproduce the info but know what i am talking about.
My instructor course took just under five months to complete and in no way was I just a product of a sausage factory.
I ended up doin approximately 60hrs of flying as I was taught to a much higher standard than the usual instructor.
However, that is my opinion and the only way anyone will ever believe that is if they give me a check flight and test my knowledge.
It will not compare with a Grade One with 2000hrs instructing, but it is a good start.