Well I think I'm going to go for it, part time me thinks! If I don't make it to the big boys, big deal. If I end up flying mail runs in the outback - cool - I'll get to see something different. I'm not concerned about travelling and working in deadbeat places as a pilot - I love exploring and experiencing new places. I think by doing it part time I'll get to pursue my other passions (that's the problem - I have too many passions!), will be able to pay my way through this (so long as costs don't go up too much!), and have goals to enjoy.
Might just have to consider driving out of town every weekend if the price differences are as significant as they look!