MC7: You seem to be a well balanced chap(ette) with a chip on BOTH shoulders there!
I joined IOT in '96 "as a pilot". I think anyone with half a brain cell understands that no-one, until their wings are confirmed when you're CR on your 1st unit considers themselves fully "a pilot". If, as I stated in my OASC interview, I didn't crack it, I wouldn't be interested.
Wind it in mate.
JRM: Methinks you'll have to have a good reason for your VW. Far better that your bird was giving you a hard time. Try your first tour. You'll get to p1$$ them off good and proper. My wife was a single mother for all but 3-4 months of the year.
The RAF is flush for pukes at the moment due the cutbacks. You'll have to show 110% commitment to convince them you made the wrong descision.
Sorry mate, but times is 'ard at the moment for all of us.