Wouldn't recommend NFC. There the ultimate definition of a cash cow and people are slowly starting to realise that....
Sorry, your evidence for that statement is based on what exactly?
WRT the opening poster, why don't you arrange to pop in and see either the CFI or HOT who would be only too happy to talk you through their success rates (or alleged lack of), course prices and expected timescales. I'm sure there are also modular guys and gals who you can contact directly to see what the craic is.
Pop down to AFTA and see them as well.
Like everything else in life, if you don't put the work in you don't get the results you want.