Great story Tonker - I nearly fell off my chair when I read it!
A pilot's view of GA seems to depend on how they trained. Those that start out as private pilots make a real effort to master light aircraft before moving on, and tend to appreciate instructors because their knowledge kept them alive during that first few hundred hours post-PPL.
On integrated courses, the light aircraft seem to be regarded as means to an end rather than something to be fully mastered. All disciplines of flying are not one and the same, but maybe students should strive to become a competent commander of a PA28 before chasing that jet command!
On the subject of instructor retention, perhaps the best way forward is encourage pilots to instruct part time whilst working for the airlines. Some of the best instructors I have flown with have done this, and it's something I aspire to do when I finally get that first job!
Al