Hmm, my initial post was a bit previous in so much as I dont own a 172, yet! I will eventually when I find the right "bargain". At 36L an hour and a few dollars put aside for insurance and parts I am confident I would not exceed $50.00 an hour operating costs.
As a LAME my maintenance costs will be zip.
I already have the old restricted licence so only need the navigation side of it. As half of these hours are, I believe, solo, there isn't a huge amount of instructor time needed.
As I said, my initial post whas somewhat previous and lighthearted, I didn't think I would have to defend my post or deal with semantics.
As for a mate helping another mate, I have on many occasions helped others for no reward and given 100%, from your negative posts and your cynical views this is probably foreign to you.