Tommy,
Easy there my good man. You're getting worked up over nothing, honest. And that is not a criticism, just a comment. Follow:
1) The program was set up by AWS and adopted to be operated by this other company. It is EXACTLY the WIT (Welding Inspection Technoloy) book available through AWS bookstore and handed out and used at the CWI seminar for the practical knowledge part of the exam. It gives people another option for learning. But, YES, people need to know what it is so they don't pay for it thinking they are getting something they are not.
2) The is simply another method for the transferance of knowledge from book to head. It has basically nothing to do with getting Qualified/Certified. Except that all welders would do well to go through it just to keep their general knowledge of the trade/profession fresh on their minds and some beginners may even benefit greatly from the information presented and be able to improve their welding skills as a benefit from new head knowledge gained about the various processes, metallurgy, information on how tests are done, welding symbols, etc.
3) Because it is the exact info used for the general knowledge part of the exam for CWI it is most definitely a benefit for those wanting to take the test. Gives you a visual as the guy reads through the exact material you will go through at the seminar, just reinforces everything with visual aids. And it is definitely a help to go through this material before you get to the seminar.
4) I agree about needing inspectors with 'trench' experience and knowledge. They also need other background knowledge from books. It takes both to make a GOOD inspector.
5) I wish we could just buy the CD's through the bookstore with all the rest of the material, we can't. So, as long as people know what they are getting, if they want to spend the $600 or so to get the CD's and, if your scores are high enough, a certificate of completion, go ahead. If I had known what it was and that the book was so much cheaper, I would not have done it. Now that I have the CD's I make good use of them.
Hope this makes sense and eases your mind somewhat. Just my two tin pennies worth.
Have a Great Day, Brent