Uh... if CC is a money grabbing ploy, they’re doing a terrible job of it. I have spent a total of 20 bucks for a book with a few years worth of training exercises. The ebook is available for free online with a minimal search. Same for CC 2. I’m down to hear specific critiques of CC, but accusing them of ripping people off is absurd.
Everything else you say sounds reasonable. All the best on your journey, may the strongest strongman win, etc etc
I re-read CC this weekend. I remembered why I hate it - some of the progressions are a total joke, either inefficient or straight up wrong. Specifically doing a crow stance before a wall handstand is just comical. Not only will it not carry over, but it's also harder, but the book lists it earlier in the progression. Not trying to bait you, just really didn't realize how right I was until I looked at it again. Oh and ty for mentioning CC2 - I didn't realize he was planning to write another book/it was out.
Everything else you say sounds reasonable. All the best on your journey, may the strongest strongman win, etc etc