You know ... people tend to think that "the way they did it" was the toughest way and the only way and the best that "it" can be done.
This is not only true case for the military. When I earned my Amateur Radio License in the early 90's... I was reminded by a "friend" that I wasn't a real amateur radio operator because I didn't have to write the same test that he did. His was "way tougher than mine".
When I was 13 years old I joined the army cadets. An older guy (not sure of his age... at 13 ... everyone older than you is old) pointed out that when he was a cadet they did more PT, and were shouted at a lot more than I was.
My point is that I'm sure that St Jean was just as "tough" on the new recruits as was Cornwallis. It may have been different, but may have been just as tough.
There are no red stress cards you can pull out and show to staff if your "feelings" get hurt. Nobody complaine about getting yelled at...If we were yelled at ... we deserved it.
There was lots of PT in the form of push-ups, sprints, rucksac marches, crunches, etc everyday (well ... except the rucksac marches... they wear about every 4 days after the first 3 weeks were complet).
We had to sew labels on our uniform too, just like the guys at Cornwallis, we had to wear coverall or PT gear after hours (I considered these civie clothes), we had late hours and early mornings doing station jobs. Teamwork was strongly encouraged (nudge, nudge, wink, wink) (take a p in the toilet that your buddy just cleaned for inspection and you will find out how teamwork works) Just like Cornwallis.
I just didn't think it was all that tough. But then again, maybe I'm come form a different era. I had to chop wood for heat as a young' un'. Different time.
I know some of the younger guys had a real hard time of it. Some of them breezed through.
The only ones that Pi$$ed me off were the folks that couldn't or wouldn't even try ... and they were pushed though. (We suspected it was to meet some sort of quota system) Now, I'm not sure if there is a quota system in place or not, but, if every time there is a rucksac march, you are sick or can't complete it... the military is not for you. If you cannot get your uniform on correctly, the military is not for you, If you can't execute proper drill even after you "passed" your second and third attempt at the "drill test"... the military is not for you. IMHO you should not graduate with the rest of us who gave 110% all the way.
OK ... I've probably angered enough people with my rant... I will leave now.
Remember, things are never as tough as they used to be. :
Cheers