I agree with you on the classroom issue. For those not comfortable with online, the video/book course is an option. One of those two should be immediate and the classroom should be the phase in portion that is REQUIRED, also, by the time limits set. At least the online or video courses would teach some very basics before you hit the water. I am glad I took the online course and will also be attending a classroom in August or October. As you, this is just an opinion.