It's a barrier and may do as much harm as good. Typically, government regulations don't evolve as fast as technology and innovation. So the government reg will say something like "spend 2 hrs learning XYZ" even after XYZ is no longer the safest equipment or method.
From what I hear, the instructors in Illinois are frustrated with the "required" training because they don't think it encompasses the most important aspects of beginner handgun training.
It also entices cronyism. If I run a large shooting range in Indiana and I have a buddy in the legislature, he might add a requirement that just happens to be more suited to my range.
As for the ID, an additional problem is giving the BMV one more hoop to jump through when they verify whether or not you are a permit holder and therefore 1 more reason to screw up whatever it is you are trying to do there. The BMV has gotten a lot better in the last few years, partially because they streamlined their process.
Even there, you had to take a mandatory NRA 8hr safety course and prove you can shoot. The course also covered some of the legal aspects of the OK Self Defense Act. It's still a shall issue state, and the course is pretty much a formality although I thought it was actually pretty informative and useful. 
