Rik,
You can go to Livermore California, rent a Cessna 172 for $180 an hour and pay an instructor $75 and hour, same as you are complaining about and what do you get. Basic instruction in a basic aircraft. I lived there, was based there and do not think they gave your the same quality of instruction as you would get at Stick and Rudder. Stick and Rudder gives instruction in the latest model of Kitfox in country you would not find in your area.

Ralph