Depending on the exceptional trainer, paying 2M is not unreasonable. I found one for 19k salary a few season ago and payed 2.6M. This trainer lasted me for about 40 weeks (3 seasons). While I could see the cost being too high for many managers, top tier managers training NT talent should not have much difficulty snagging them.
Sadly there is the issue of micros which are basically printing money who can afford to outbid the lower teams. But that remains true for the rest of the transfer market as well.
Timing of trainers is strange but wait a week or so and you'll pick up a trainee that falls into your range. I agree that the implementation that exists now isn't great, but superior trainers are fairly cheap and the extra few percent for upgrading to an exceptional is a luxury and always has been.
2x NBBA Champion: S55, S56. 3x USA Cup Champion: S54, S55, S56. WR for longest home streak ever at 11 in Season 47.