I have seen them too with WAYYY more hours than they should which I DO know equates to lots of dollars. It depends on the student. Some just "get it" the first time around while others well, might never.
Even though I didn't actually have any time piloting an aircraft, I did however have over 1500hrs as a flight engineer on C-130's. This allowed me to sail thru instrument in min time. Anyone that spends this kinda time watching approaches and holds from the middle seat is bound to learn something.
