Thanks again guys,
When I applied for the Sixth form scholarship I was clear that it was 'pilot or bust' for me, and my desire has not changed and neither will my focus.
With regard to the DE or GE debate, I think that it is very much dependant on each individual. If at 17/18 an applicant demonstrates the qualities that the RAF requires then DE would be a good choice. Where as, if at the same age they (the applicant) still showed most of the qualities but a clear potential for growth then spending 3 years at Uni would probably be the better choice. Of course in either case there is a risk that, in the first instance the applicant was not ready for officer training, and in the second, three years at Uni could destroy the qualities previously demonstrated.