Cheers 101, that's the feeling I have as well, I currently fly out of EGNX and its a 45 mile round trip sometimes just to fly 1hr.The weather can change so much between where I live and the airport. They do not offer CPL or IR which is a shame as the IMC training was top notch.
As for my UK time, which is mostly instrument work, I haven't even landed at an away field!
The closest I came was to making some go around's on a NDB approach into Leicester. I am still some what nervous about flying in the UK, but that is down to lack of practical experience.
I could do with building some hours at Gloucester perhaps before the CPL? Might be an idea
When it comes down to money, It is certainly not endless, but I want to pay for the best I can afford. If UK flying will help me more, UK it is, if you see what I mean.
I know what you mean about Instructors kicking you up the back side to get you up there. However we were dealing with sigmets where I was so I was VERY apprehensive.One day an instructor said that I should do a long x-country and advised that the weather would be fine.I stayed local and it was a good job because it turned IFR within the space of a few minutes lol !
Cheers