@Jonkster
Point(s) taken. Thanks for that very detailed answer, much appreciated. Between licences, endorsements and ratings, I changed schools a total of 4 times now and have flown with a good many different blokes, but I have yet to meet the level of commitment and involvement you express. While I mostly agree with you, with all due respect, you don't strike me as the average instructor either. I expect that there will be others like you out there, albeit in a minority. Like I said, finding the right instructor is – unfortunately – a bit of hit-and-miss, mostly miss. In summary, yes, there's definitely a point to pay extra for good value, even on solo navigations.