I'd be willing to bet that anywhere with a proper club, separate from any school, has a far lower dropout rate than a pure school (even, as I said, if it calls itself a club).
I will not take that bet (i.e., I think you are quite correct).
Re the diff between a "school" and a "club": I can't see there can be much.
Well, it depends upon the club. Some of the big ones call themselves clubs but have evolved into quasi-commercial establishments. However, a small club that relies upon volunteer work by its members to keep the costs down is a much different environment, where members are key players and not mere customers.
I'd far rather spend my £8000 on half a Luscombe or Jodel, than a tenth of some fancy touring aircraft. I don't want to be in a group of ten; I want availability when I want it, and I like old aircraft. I have a GPS and don't use it, because I keep forgetting how to, and I find map and compass nav easy and fun. And I happen to know I'm not unique.
No, you are certainly not unique ... my own preferences and practices are essentially identical those you have expressed.
