My experience with 3rd party training has been several type ratings done at Flight Safety in the USA. The program was always followed to the letter. The oral exam and final checkride was always done by a FAA Check Airman. Although some emphasis was different to CASA, in every case there was a high standard of airplane systems knowledge and handling expected. Never any questions about the rules because they reckon they can see practical application in the test. Like if you have no visual contact you fly the miss or fail. If you are below glideslope at minimums you fail. Here it seems that if you can answer 10 questions on alternate requirements and the tolerances and the duty time rules you are more than 50% thru the test already.
Best part of the FAA system is knowing exactly what is required. A simple matter of standardization by all the examiners. A concept that CASA don't have a clue about.
Going overseas for training is a great way to learn from a much bigger experience base. CASA should encourage it, not make it hard.