I agree with what both of you have said. I never got my CFI, but it is something I would really like to do one day. I also never instructed. No doubt that limits the diversity of my references, but I did it for a reason. I left a steady, well paying career to become a pilot. I was working full-time up to when I left for flight school. If I was going to learn to fly, I needed to do so quick and get back to making money since I had financial responsibilities that wouldn't wait around for long. My previous career ruled out part 61 training on my free time, so a full-time all inclusive aviation college was the best option for me. Say what you will about the "pilot factories" but it allowed me to accomplish exactly what I had set out to do, and in a time frame I could afford. I tell this story not to argue my point to those that love to pick arguments over the best way to learn to fly, but to assist others who may be in a similar situation as I that might be reading this thread.

Let me make two things perfectly clear:
1. I would NOT recommend MAPD right now due to the state of the airline industry and the apparent declining quality of the school.
2. I have never flown for free. I've paid to fly in training, but MAPD is not one of those schools where you fly as an F/O for free to gain experience. I've been paid for every hour of 121 flying I've ever done.

This whole argument started over me simply answering a question that was specifically asked of me and one other person by proskuneho. The only reason the thread started going in this direction is because of flame-bait posts like this one:

I agree. Back to the topic. How long did you CFI before your 1st job?

Hate the game, not the player!