Idiots? Creative and independant individuals, more like!
What is the difference between paying for an instructor rating or a B757 rating? I will tell you, the answer is absolutely nothing.
Yet paying for an AFI / QFI rating is perceived as acceptable, paying for a B757 rating is not.
I admire anyone who has had the intelligence to do just that little bit more to get ahead. After all, who is he or she responsible to other than themsleves and their families.
So go and get that rating, go and work for nothing (if it enhances your chamces of better employment later) and above all, don't listen to these whiners and whingers on this thread.