I think one of the problems for the CAA is that they have to demonstrate that a 'PPL' is ICAO compliant. Where any or some of the training has been done outside the ICAO acceptable means of compliance (on a microlight, to the microlight syllabus, for instance) then there will always be those (possibly with an axe to grind) who will claim that a UK licence isn't compliant. This happened with the PPL exams - there are still those outside the UK who would say they should be done at a centre, not at schools.
Those of us who get regular updates from AOPA will have seen that the CAA's 'simplification' (which in my view will make it even more complicated) is several years down the road, anyway.
We operate both a microlight school and a Part21 aircraft PPL school. When people come to us, we ask what kind of flying they want to do in the future, so they can choose what route to take from the get-go. The C42 is a great aircraft to learn on and fly post licence issue but for the foreseeable it's a cul-de-sac.We're solidly booked on the PA28s whereas the C42 is quiet, which is a pity.
TOO