* never fly after dark, let alone on instruments. Day VFR is all you get.
How many recreational PPL holders do either of these things on a regular basis?
* being ultra light, you will be ultra shaken in turbulence, even over a wood on a hot day
Not true at all. You can ride the waves a lot better in such a light machine, it's no different to gliding really, just go with the flow. You're not going to be flying any single engine piston on a day with even moderate turbulence forecast, so just a moot point.
* you can take a passenger, but depending on how the two of you are built you will be limited on fuel, and even more on luggage. Really not a travelling machine for two.
Useful load is higher than a PA38 in most microlights considering they burn about 40% less fuel. Can easily accommodate 3 or 4 hours of fuel and two normal sized adult males in a C42.
It depends which side of Bristol you are, but Compton Abbas have some microlights, and it's a great strip to learn from.