It seems that only the lucky are posting on here.
Well, if you read the original message that opened this thread you might understand why that is.
Me? 4.5 years since getting CPL/IR, 9 years since I started flying after I had a trial lesson when I was bored one weekend.
All training done on the 'self-improver' system that used to exist before JAA came along. 'Unapproved IR' on reaching 700 hours instructing part time on a BCPL. Never spent a minute in a class room to pass the written exams.
[edited to add training information as requested by Louis]