Fantastic response Guys 'n' Galls.
As BEagle & Rolling Circle demonstrate, the factors that led us to this unsatisfactory situation are numerous and highly debatable.
The pragmatic view would be that few organisations are totally incompetent, few never make any mistakes and the best method will come out on top through reasoned debate. (This fence post is killing my Butt!)
For my two pen'orth, JAR is simply a nice Idea poorly executed and the NPPL is in danger of going the same way. Anyway, to reply to some specifics:
Toohottofly - Thanks for the tip about PPSC, I'll give them another call.
Genghis - Microlite AFI? never thought of that, I'll give it some consideration if my latest GOOD NEWS doesn't work out.
UKPPL - I like the idea of a restricted CPL. Tell you what, we could call it a Basic Comercial Pilots Licence!
Finally the GOOD NEWS is that in April I start as a volunteer civillian flying instructor with the Air Cadets teaching them to solo standard on Grob 109 SLMGs! The RAF provide the training for me, accommodation, food, uniform and as many girls as I can lick!
GOD SAVE THE QUEEN.