MPD,
I suppose another option is to get hooked up with a commercial operator that does pleasure flights etc and offer services to them at certain times gratis (ie you do not get paid) but you would build turbine hours doing commercial work.
On the trial lessons etc, how about tie up a deal with a FS that you go and pitch for work and any inbound work from that campaign is yours to teach thru' to PPL (H) std under supervison.
The former adds hours and specific experience but partly on your terms. The latter would bring in some cash and be a broader range of experience towards the "sent 25 solo" standard.
Just ideas. May be helpful, maybe not.
h-r