Hi Restore,
I did the course in London, March 2007 and yes I found I was in a room full of people, there was subliminal stuff on the audio system, the sales was very American in style, but.... All that said I found the practical skills invaluable and have since gone on to develop my own style and way of working that suits me personally. Gerry works on very low couches, kneeling on and off the couch. I also don't particularly like covered in oil from head to toe for 3 days, and both forearms stinging with a rash on our last day.
My advice would be..
Do the course and take what you need from it and don't sign up for more until you've had a chance to put what you've learnt into action. This may be all you need. Put the cultish stuff to one side and see what skills you can take way with you.
No mater how I felt about Gerry personally or how he's decided to run his courses, he has developed a fantastic way of working that doesn't involve any wrist or thumb strain and that has to be recognised and considered a valuable skill. Don't get bogged down in personality and format. He's got passion, enthusiasm and technique. All of which are to be commended.
I hope this helps.
Cheers, Sue