I, on the other hand, think this is justifiable. It doesn't matter whether you're training someone to breathe or fish, you're still training him - and that's a service. A lot of courses on stupid things cost much higher.

I'd rather go for a course on Audio Engineering with Gratis software than one with "industry-standard" software bundles. Software is only part of the equation - hardware, knowledge, techniques, skill and talent play bigger roles. Someone who can teach you those tricks of the trade deserves more than just beer.