Good training doesn't have to be classed as difficult for it to be good. It needs to be sensible, comprehensive and well structured. That's where the FAA is way ahead of the rest.
There is an old stalwart frame of thinking that training systems need to be nigh on impossible in order for them to be good. The 'easy out' view is, in my opinion held by those who feel they need to protect their own overly tedious syllabi and systems that don't necessarily make sense, or produce the best pilots, but sort of define that country's training standards. Protectionism if you will.
There are huge problems with training in SA. Yes the schools are raking in cash, and waving their flags proudly to anyone with a fat enough wallet, however, there is a fundamental shortfall in the transfer of experience that is taking place. The pyramid of knowledge and experience is turned on it's head, and we are building pilots with serious, deadly voids in their aviation foundations.