Gliding is not everyones cup of tea. It is somewhat restrictive in terms of actually being able to go anywhere and involves a lot of 3 and 4 minute flights at most winch launched clubs followed by a lot of pushing and shoving of gliders. Getting aero tows sees the price rise steeply but still presents the same limitations on travel.
A lot of people want to learn to fly to go places, carry pax and generally enjoy the fun of powered flight.
I don't think telling someone to forget a PPL (short or long term)and learn to glide instead is very good advice. A lot of people start to glide realise it involves a great deal of commitment towards the chosen club to be able to get any decent flying and give up. Usually never bothering to try powered flight instead. I have seen this happen many times.
And no this is not a bias on gliding, as a 20 year glider pilot both RAFGA and BGA I love gliding but I think you are overrating its value here.