Getting the rating that way suited my particular
situation and I do not regret a thing.

Not saying you should. As you said, you went into this eyes open and
got what you paid for. I can easily imagine a situation where this
would make sense. In fact, you almost sound like a newly rated pilot I
know. Because of career-related and partnership-related time
constraints, he could realistically only do an accelerated course. He
also took a low cost two week course, and came out with a rating. He
knows full well the rating is not adequate, but is now flying with a
local and reasonably experienced instrument pilot (not an instructor)
and learning to really use the rating. He seems happy with his
decision.

Where I take issue is with two statements you made to justify not
revealing the name of the school.

4. ... A true instrument course takes a lot longer and
costs a lot more.

This is only half right. Yes, it costs a lot more (it has to) but it
need not take longer.

5. ...Others seem to provide no more training but charge more for
what they do.

While it is of course possible to pay more and not get more, there are
others who charge more but also provide a lot more - not more loggable
hours, perhaps, but a more solid knowledge and skill base that is
sufficient for flying in instrument conditions.

Michael