I agree here. What I was referring to was an experienced instructor who has been there, teaching you tried and true methods, and passing on some of that experience to you. If all they do is recount their glory days of flying, then it is waste.

I think a nice advantage to the FBO is you have the final say as to who your instructor is. Don't like him, then you can get a new one. Not sure you can do that at a place like ATP, from what I gathered you are assigned an instructor and thats it, you get who you get, no real input on your part. I could be wrong though.