Interesting thoughts. Some time last year I was in my LQS and asked one of the employees (who is also an instructor there) if it would be possible to just 'observe' a ruler quilting class. I would, obviously, pay for the class but did (and still do) not want to invest in these tools if I felt it was a technique I was not going to be comfortable with - at least initially. Her response was that she didn't think that was possible and I would have to talk with the shop owner. Frankly, I was a bit dismayed by her response and have yet to pursue the subject or class any further.
I'm glad to hear other students are equally interested in 'observing' and that those teachers who have responded are willing to have those of us who are.