I'm an USAFA puke who didn't get anything paid for. You can write off the cost on your taxes, so consider that a 10-20% discount once you get your income tax return. The best scam, assuming it still exists, was getting a type in aircraft you were checked out in that have civilian designations. I got an L-300 (c-141) type put on my license as a First Pilot when I lived in Charleston, SC, simply by bringing my flight records and logbook to the FSDO. When I returned from flying the C-12J (Beech 1900C) in Korea, I did the same thing in San Antonio, brought in my logbook and flight records, and walla!, I had another type on my FAA license, for free. I see that Kikuchiyo did the same.
Good luck.