That isn’t how St Andrews was discussed in my circles, but for sure that would be a bad idea!
In my circles it was really about the possible experience of not just studying abroad for a semester or such, but for a full undergrad experience. And absolutely, for some kids that was a bad idea and they had to transfer back. But most of the kids/parents we talked to were very positive about the experience.
Similarly I don’t think St Andrews was ever discussed as just like a US university but less expensive. I think the idea was more that if your kid is looking for a special experience, and specifically an alternative to attending a big public university either in-state or OOS, then St Andrews was one of the more competitively priced options for full pay families.
But for sure, you actually have to want that particular experience. If you don’t, then it doesn’t really matter how it is priced.