Thank you for the advice, I've taken a few days to think things through and simply going for a PPL at this point makes good sense. It'll give me an idea of what sort of workload to expect, and will likely function as a good "aptitude test" in it's own way.
I've always wanted to fly recreationally anyway. In five years I'd be nearly 32, scary how quickly time passes by.
Knowing my luck, if I did go down the modular route, the big airlines would probably open up the fully sponsored route again...