Or should you not criticize dissenters just because it happens to fit you? There could be a better way for more people, regardless of your personal experience.
You're mistaken, actually - in most cases, coursera does not offer taking classes off schedule for no certificate. That's exactly what everyone is asking for.
The only thing I'd like is the more intense 6 week courses split over say 10 weeks. Other than that I think they are taking the right approach.