I think group ownership is the best option for most people. I was lucky to meet a like minded pilot with circa 100 hours, not long after passing my PPL. He introduced me to his group, and for a couple of years, gained experience flying around the country and northern France.
Recently, having decided the group was too big (15 people) we decided to buy something suitable for touring, but cheaper to operate. Now, we have a virtually brand new tri-gear Europa (<30 hours TT) with some nice kit inside. The total price of the a/c was £40k, so we've decided to sell 2 shares (one has sold already) for £10k each. Flying cost are now £25 per hour, which really encourages touring.
For the short period of time I was renting, it was always in the back of my mind how much it was costing. I once paid £160 for 6 circuits with an instructor in a knackered PA28 !! Five or six circuits in a smart, modern Europa is around £20-£25.