First of all, I will not profess to be an expert on "travel ball". Nonetheless, I am around it, surrounded by young men who play it (at various levels), and routinely talk with parents and/or coaches of it.
Here is one man's observation:
a) Travel ball at the younger ages (perhaps 14U and below) is viewed as a better aternative to Little League (and the like). Less politics, better competition, coaching etc. It is at this level where a parent might expect their child to receive the "coaching and development" that they hope for.
b) "SHOWCASE" baseball is different. This is typically what "travel ball" is called once a kid is of varsity age. There are hundreds (maybe thousands) of such teams across the country. The players on these teams will not be "developed", per se. They will be "showcased". ie, they are designed to provide the young man exposure.
As has been referenced, some such programs have layers of teams at each age group.
I think the responsibility is that of the parent to best understand, and effort to perform the right due diligence prior to committing to such a team. The hard truth is this: Many parents do not fully understand what type of talent is required to play college baseball. Most parents think that their son is going to get a "full ride" to a Division 1 school because he was the best kid on his Little League All-Star team three years ago!
It would pay huge dividends for parents to attempt to fully understand what their sons realistic prospects are, and then tailor their development and playing needs accordingly.
The issue at hand is not whether "travel ball" is better or worse than "American Legion". The issue at hand is knowing where your son is best served based upon his skill set, or lack thereof! While not always the case, the young man's high school coaching staff is most likely where he will receive the majority of his best instruction, along with more intimate college baseball camps.
While I understand and empathize with the posters on this thread, and their frustration...in simple terms, I would liken this to looking for love in all the wrong places.