I'm really pleased that you found the course content good. I believe CIM have actually changed their recommended core text in the latest reading list and the material we provide is reflecting the change. Perhaps more people expressed their view of the previous textbook and CIM took it onboard.
In terms of why workshops are scheduled over two days and two months prior to the hand-in date rather than a longer period, it is a reflection of a format that has worked well over the past 12 years. I do appreciate there are individual preferences and the format can be challenging sometimes. We are trying to ensure that the workshops are held regularly, but sometimes there are longer gaps.