Interesting read, as I has the same question and was looking at the same three Manchester schools.
I considered Microlights but my only concern is I'd like to be able to fly quite large distances and also fly year round. The VFR element worried me for this reason however I've seen a video on YouTube in a microlight flying to Ireland and back and there was quite a lot of cloud cover.
Can anybody advise what percentage of the year they think is IFR in the UK? What's September to April like? What kind of distance range can you realistically plan for with fuel and weather forecast? How feasible is over water flying both year round and over winter?
(Also, *why* does a microlight PPL not count towards a PPL?! Or is that asking a big question...)
Would greatly appreciate any advice on these questions!