The Effort Effect
That seems to be the real reason. They're making an excuse by saying its a money grabbing scheme. And to try would reveal that they don't have innate powers.
Singapore, eh? I've found the same belief to be rampant in South Asia.
BTW, about the money thing (even though its not even remotely the real issue), I've spent a total of probably around 30 bucks on my PD. I do, however, have 39 books out from the libary, although I dunno about the libary system in Singapore. The rest is from the interwebs.
PD has been one of the most worthwhile things I've done in my life. Ever.
I did get into an argument with a friend about PD. I eventually did persuade him to spend some time (no money) reading a book after I told him about my personal successes since I have gotten into PD. Getting jobs, happier, improved physicalness, everything. The personal stories are more convincing. Appeal to emotions, salesperson's motto.
I have a friend who thinks that Pavlina and the PD people in general are creepy. That they talk to her as if she's a broken machine. Which is fine, if she feels that way, there's no right or wrong answer. So I just let her be. It certainly has changed our relationship, but that just happens.