My gliding experience enable me to complete my PPL training on minimum hours (including a 10hr JAA credit).
At CPL level, however I found the differences between the two types of flying widen. I am trying to identify where I can best use my gliding experience in relation to the type of flying required for IR ratings etc.
Now that I have had instrument training for IR, I feel ashamed that I ventured into cloud in a glider with no professional (qualified IR instructor) instruction, and in a glider without a full set of instruments and questionable batteries!