Couldn't tell you why trad training methods are so bad, as I don't think they are. I think things like bag and pad work are essential, and neglected sometimes. As far as two man drills etc. then I always thought that the idea was to build muscle memory and reactions. Which is great, but without sparring pretty useless IMHO.

I think the reason that trad methods get such a bad rep. is because you see them being executed by weak men and women in a non-realistic fashion much of the time. Two man drills where you think you are going to get hit are a different animal to when you are partnered with somebody that actually aims off to 'help' the execution of the parry, block etc.

So trad methods executed hard, realistically, fast and many, many times I think are effective.