Since apparently kingdoms' pre-academy 'combat schools' put preteens through some degree of training, maybe basic aura 'muscle memory' is drilled into kids there before (and if) they move on to the stuff expected of licensed huntsmen. Qrow & Tai also seem big on 'think fast' reflex tests, while Blake had even more incentive to hone her mojo timing. Meanwhile, hard to say just what else Pop Frostyscumstache threw at Weiss (though I somehow doubt Gigsy was the only hurdle). Which might explain why Glynda didn't bother fusing their doombunks into an OSHA-equivalent-approved state.
I'd certainly hope everyone at Beacon should have unlocked Aura if they haven't faked their transcripts. I think Jaune's very lucky he survived initiation, thanks to catching Pyrrha's eye.
It makes sense that combat schools would give at least basic Aura training, in preparation for Huntsman academies. I think you're also right that Qrow and Tai will have provided Yang and Ruby with even more than the rest of Signal students get, while the White Fang gave Blake some rather unorthodox education.
Gigsy! I like that nickname for the Arma Gigas that ended up as Weiss's first summon.
I can only think Glynda didn't known about the doombunks. That or she'd had enough to deal with already the day she discovered or heard about them, and decided to leave team RWBY to their fate.
