With regard to your first reply, yes traders have a choice regardless of whether it is Futures, Forex or Stocks. Traders in some jurisdictions have a more limited set of choices. As to your second point, it is a great suggestion. Millions of people do it around the world every day. If you want to take your money and go trade in the market you are more than welcome. Our program is specifically for people who don't want to do that though. As you said, people have a choice. Some people think this is a good opportunity because they don't want to risk that $3,500. That is why our company exists.
TopStep uses Tradovate as their primary platform for challenges and funded accounts. I would start there https://www.tradovate.com/ Topstep also uses Tradestation - you could ask them as well