Jack Ranga,
You are entitled to your views but why do you proceed on the assumption that all operators are the same? There is a level of risk in any business transaction it is true but not all operators who offer up front payments are going to go broke. To universally condem as unsafe all up front deals offered by flying schools is an unsupportable proposition. Some schools (incluuding schools at your beloved MB airport) offer substantial advatages to the student for up front payments. It seems to me your professed or implied view of up front payments as overly risky is extreme and one that is likely to deter a student from taking advantage of what otherwise could be a very good deal.
I have taken advantage of up front deals and have been very happy with the results and savings made.
Cheers to you Jack Ranga and have a great New Year!