Thanks all who posted or PM'd. Regrettably the interest shown here and other boards won't support the expense and effort. These events are run as a break-even proposition for me and we have to have 16-20 serious students paid in advance to book flights, hotels, etc., as the instructors come from the factory (Illinois). If something changes, I'll post an update. Perhaps in the Spring. I am sure the economy has some influence and we can only hope things turn around.
Rob thanks for the report and endorsement and you are quite correct in your comments with regard to a basic or stock AR - the diversity of float tubes makes it impractical to support an upper dis-assembly in the confines of this course.
With regard to the question of skill, its is intended to start your from scratch and presumes only basic operational knowledge of an AR. In the past I did loan 2 ARs to complete novices whom I know walked away with a wealth of information. Between the instructors and students they managed to get through the course successfully. An now as a certified armorer they have the benefit of an inside line to a host of experience.