I think many stuck intermediates with “home made” technique intrinsically know that hints, tips and random lessons are not going to take them to the next level. In fact, despite being well intentioned, they are more likely to regress. What they really need to improve is to go back to square one and start over. Doing this is a HUGE time and money commitment, that most are not prepared to do, so they just keep plodding along on their own. Helluva explained this concept in his “What It Takes” thread.
I can't speak for others, so with my sample size of 1. Back to square one is exactly what I want, but I don't want to go to square one with instructor X, square two with instructor Y and square three with instructor Z. One bad experience, go back a square. Nah, I rather go play by myself. I barely have enough time to spend with the people I like, why would I pay and spend money with someone I don't?
Anyway, I'm gonna follow Kneale Brownson's suggestion. I'm gonna call the Belleayre school next Fall, and ask them how I can set up a block of 2 hour every weekend for 5-6 weekends with the same instructor. I'm gonna do some screening with the instructors if possible, or at least peek at their profile.
And for the instructors on the board, you guys are great. But if you just take a day off and go to a local mountain and take an intermediate group lesson during the weekend, see if your experience reflects the board sentiment.