So let me get this straight. Pay 15k more to get spoonfed info? No thanks. Do you know how much more per month that is on 8% interest? On top of your bills from commercial.
The advantage of a university system or big 141 program is standardization. More CFIs are at a standard le el of book knowledge. However, instructing is a whole different animal. All instructors are so fresh and new that they will learn more themselves than the students the first time around.
The FBO is just like you said it. Study your ass off and you will prevail. The FSDO guys are almost 100% nice. They loved me when I came through, and I am still in contact with them.
Also, airlines can give a care less of where you got your instructor ratings.