Even though this thread started as a wind-up, it has generated some interesting debate.
So, here's my tuppence worth. I couldn't disagree with Sassenach more.
If you are taught well in the early days, you will learn good flying discipline and continue to use the right techniques throughout your PPL and beyond.
RUBBISH
The type of flying club also has a lot to do with how your skills mature as you gain more experience post-PPL.
MORE RUBBISH
There is, in my opinion, only one thing that makes you a good pilot and that is you. Your attitude and, to a certain degree, your personality. I know people with 5000 hours who scare me fartless every time and people with 50 hours who are a joy to fly with.
Was it their initial training? Was it b**gery.
Is it the club they fly at? Like f**k it is.
It's them and their approach to flying; the fact that they are willing to learn and to accept guidance from whoever offers it; the fact that they realise that they'll never know everything and that there is always more to learn; the fact that they have pride in their flying and airmanship; the fact that they want to be the best pilot that they can be.
There are a hundred ways to stay current and for half the price of hiring spamcans you can do it on a PFA type; you can run a microlight for less than that; you can glide for a fraction of the cost of a microlight; there's always a way, perhaps not the ideal that you'd choose, but there is always a way.
So, if you're not as good as you could be, it's not the fault of the guy who taught you, it's not the fault of your club, it's not down to the fact that you're strapped for cash, it's your own bloody fault.