I would imagine that those joining ESI know full well what they are paying for. For me, I was not educated in business, so this is a helping hand.
How many people have written a business plan from scratch. I mean really from scratch without using a model or template of some sort. ESI along with other groups like it are a template of sorts, for those who need or desire it. Sure you can get business plan template online for free or low cost, but you can also get more detailed templates for a higher cost.
ESI...great for some, not for others, but there is no need to bash them for helping and making money at the same time. Groups like this are slowly starting to educate us loveable dolts.