The comments about the established training programs ring true in my ears too. I went to a university with an aviation program. The primary reason I went this route was because I couldn't afford doing the training on my own. I paid the same for my degree as every other BA and BS there cost. As soon as I finished my flight training there (Multi Comm) I got out. I went to another school to do my CFI, and I now work there. Learning from a different perspective and a different mentality makes you a better pilot.

We have all the bells and whistles. Five aircraft with G-1000s, and three with Avedynes coming. I think it's great. They're useful tools if you know how to use them. I've also turned everything off on a student, and said "you get one comm radio, and a transponder, take me home". Learning the old school stuff, and not being afraid of it, is important as well.