I value training in general, but remember that the instructor led and virtual academies do not provide a final test with certification. If you need to get base information, it could be had from using the eLibrary. It's not comprehensive and exhaustive, it is a good primer for most of the products.
I've attended instructor led training and it does provide the opportunity to ask questions, chances are you'll get someone who has only installed the software and has not used it in production as a part of their job. They do provide decent interaction to get you off the ground, but not rolling into production.
Try not to get bummed about the cost, there are alternative that are equally valuable. Have you tried any user groups?
