It does. Hovering is a skill. Removing the mask is a skill. Some people have issues breathing without the mask and need more time to learn. Some people can hover 5 min into the pool session, some need to focus and need several hours. Getting one thing out of the way early, it helps.Potentially, there lies your misconception. Teaching neutrally buoyancy from the start doesn't take any longer than teaching on knees.
Again, when you're doing training in your club, you have more time in the pool. Having 4 or five random people in a 3 day class is a different scenario.
That's why I ask if people have actually done these classes... but as you can see, no answer. I've done both and there is a difference.