Get stuffed, I really dont care what you think and what you think doesnt matter in a free society.
If someone doesnt want to teach newbs then they are not much of a teacher in the first place. I can definatly see a instructor having their own set of pre-reqs, like you go through my newb safety,pistol,rifle, etc then on to something more moderate and so on.
I love getting info from people who know WTF they are talking about on any subject becasue that how you really learn anything.
Why do you guys who are in the millitary or are cops need private training anyway?? Is your training that sh*ty in the first place?
They do teach noobs. Ones of good character, and show discipline and ability to follow instructions. As well, by getting some formal qualifications from other reputable schools/trainers they are better able to teach appropriately and form appropriate groups.
I am much more comfortable on a line or working in a 360/non-square range or similar set up knowing the people have some skills or have been vetted. This really shows when you take a course at a place like Thunder Ranch.
A lot of people "shooting for years" cant keep up in lessons with basic pistol manipulations, transitions, or remedial action drills ala tap-rank-bang.
I would be very uncomfortable knowing, and it is short sighted or irresponsible frankly to allow, people to be taking a "fighting rifle" class teaching/requiring weapon transitions and draws where these unknown people can come and are not required in anyway to show they are ready for the course. Mentally, Physically, or Psychologically.
The most reputable schools and instructors in the USA have been doing this for the 10 years or so I have been visiting them. So any new school, especially a wildly popular with "highly skilled and experienced" instructors should have adopted this from the beginning as it is pretty much a "best practice" in the industry.
Maybe if some of these guys starting "training companies" as tactical trainers had actually taught at some of the better/renown schools, not boot camp, or a deputies class wear guys are still wearing 6 shooters and using weaver stances, then they would know this???
Or, perhaps their goals are high student registrations and sales rather than meeting/matching industry best practices.
And so, on a personal note, if the Bacon Brothers, or some gang banger has a PAL, do you want them learning CQB or weapons retention stuff? Or even your local mall ninja? Nope...? Hence, if you don't know someone like KevB said, they aren't getting in.
That makes me feel safer. An ounce of prevention is better than none. And the more the better IMHO.