Very interesting thread this.
The whole insurance excuse is a lie, it just costs more. You can insure anything and that has always been proven when there is a pilot shortage: then suddenly everything is possible, just to keep the crafts flying.
Training bond is good. I am happy to work for a lower salary and have a job initially until the bond is paid off and experience on the craft has grown and hours have gone up. That is called a personal investment. But pay upfront for a TR: NEVER! Most GA TR are also just not worth it in the long run for private investment - unless you want to fly a VLJ for the rest of your life.