Thanks for the input. Now for a few comments -
"drizzle" - when I did my PPL training back in 1957 all three of the QFI's held PPL's. Two RAF CFS graduates and one USAF graduate. They instruction they gave was highly professional.
"excrab" - we are on the same wavelength - thanks.
"StrateandLevel" - loved the spelling but I did not say only NPPL holders but included any PPL, JAR-FCL or NPPL so that increases the potential numbers to an enormous extent.
"GT" - Prior to the BCPL intending FIC students had to pass a pre-entry ground exam and a flight evaluation with either an FIC instructor or an FIE. Believe me that sharpened them up as they could not start their FIC without being recommended as a result of their success.
Perhaps I should give a few more personal details, I have over 9,000 hours as instructor, was an FIC instructor since 1970 and an FIE since 1972. I held a professional licence from 1969 until I had a health problem in 1999. I now have an NPPL(SEP) and just love my flying.
Remuneration was possible for a PPL instructor under the old system prior to the BCPL in 1988 - why not again?
Do please keep this thread going since I am keen to guage the valued opinions of as wide a cross section of instructors as possible. Perhaps you could draw it to the attention of other instructors.