perhaps your right but I think many PPLs are geared up to pass the skills test and thats it. It should be after the test when they really learn to fly but so many are "dumpted" by their instructors / schools and never progress very far.
Years ago young PPLs were invited along with others and quickly gained experience, I dont think this happens to the same extent.
Have we, (slightly) older pilots become less willing to share the experience??
TR