I can see benefits to both types of workshops and I've attended both types as far back as 1991. Some of the shooting workshops have been paparazzi-style affairs while others have been well organized shoots with 1:1 model-to-photographer ratios. They all have some benefit -- and a place in the world.
In terms of getting my money's worth, being able to take images home with me that I can use for my own self promotion in a book and online is important to me. At the price point of your workshops ($400) plus travel from Chicago (where I live), I'd be very unlikely to ever attend a "watch the pro" only session.
But images aren't the only thing of value by any means. I wouldn't be very likely to attend a local $400 "pass the PocketWizard" affair either. I do want to learn something about lighting, set design, model interaction, posing, etc. as well. And I want to look at the work of the photographer teaching the class and know in advance that he has been there and done that already.
But to get back to what I think you're asking, my ideal session is:
1) a photographer who has made a living making the type of images being demonstrated and who honestly wants to teach others
2) a model that has done the type of work being demonstrated and who enjoys the workshop setting
Too often, something is missing. The photographer shoots weddings and decided to hire some strippers promising them easy money...I'm sure you've heard the stories.
To bring it down to a short answer, I'd consider a "watch the pro" session that was priced at $250 or less. Above that and I'd expect to take home a few images.
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As I look back over the message I see it has the potential to be taken as a criticism of you or your workshops -- and I hope that doesn't happen. I've never even met you nor anyone that's ever said anything to me about your workshops.
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