I think this has to do with the qualification of the teachers. There are other, paid, vipassana organizations which offer a different experience. My sense is t

I think this has to do with the qualification of the teachers. There are other, paid, vipassana organizations which offer a different experience. My sense is that the Goenka org is the budget version. Which worked for me as a first retreat. So yes, it's a factory, a conveyer belt of putting participants through a certain practice. It's practical, no frills, and not much flexibility. Also the food kinda sicks :) But, for the price (donation) it totally delivers.