No apologies are necessary; this is just a little internet banter. As for your two friends, it is nice that thru diligent research were able to find something to suit their needs. As for regulation and paperwork, that is just a necessary evil that has to be dealt with regardless of where someone flight trains.
With regard to training in the US, no other country in the world has ease of access to airspace like in the US. There are also no outrageous user fees as with other countries.