J
I went through a similar process before settling on a PPL. I figured that although you might be saving £££ in the short term going for Microlights, then NPPL, then PPL you will eventually want to get the PPL so may as well go for that directly.
I see this flying lark as a long term commitment so the early 45-50 hours to PPL will eventually become part of your early learning and the cost (£££ and time) will become less and less significant compared to how much you will eventually spend.
Just my 2c.