Re: syndicates. I'm a serial and parallel syndicate member, having recently joined (a restoration project) my 11th syndicate in 30 years, every size from 2 to 20, single, 2 and 4-seaters, most times 3 syndicates at a time, probably staying in each about an average of 7 years. In the UK, it's absolutely the best way to get aircraft availability, access to better aeroplanes than you can rent, and affordable flying. You just need to get the detail right, and steer clear of the occasional syndicates that have a few problem children in them.
G