Blue Heron, I agree with you 100% on the standard of instruction and the dedication, experience and expertise on the part of the instructors, both flying and ground. The test results of the former IPTC were as good as anywhere else. The issue is the crass way in which a good organisation has been wilfully dismantled at the whim of people who know nothing about flying training. If you have just left then you would have been there last year when it all first started going to pieces, and will have since then seen the departure of progressively more of the same dedicated professionals.
I am glad that your recent memories of Battle Creek are good ones, a lot of the former instructors don't have that luxury. Anyway, if it's not too late, good luck with your IR Skill Test and here's hoping you get a job soon.