I trained rotary in California and like others only did it on a waiver.
Little concerned that you ar recommending a school which has just lost a (big?) contract and has a boss which, in your words, is a bit of a tosser.
If you are travelling that far and spending that sort of money you want to use a school that is A1 with all the staff from the boss to the tea machine that are helpful friendly and have time for YOU the customer.
Incidently I flew with the same school and instructor from 0 - 200 odd hours.
Also remember that the M1 visa is only valid if you train at the school which issued it. You cannot change schools using the same visa if you are dissatisfied. Get personal recommendation from (ex) students before comitting.
[This message has been edited by pilotwolf (edited 17 June 2001).]