FFF - wise words, and certainly reflecting much of the sentiment at the GAPAN/CFS FI forum at Cranwell yesterday.
Interesting that one school of thought (championed by AOPA amongst others) is pushing for a return to the PPL FI (similar to what I understand is about to happen with the NPPL, Microlights and SLMGs), whilst another (lead by Dorothy Pooley et al) is promoting a specific Instructor's Licence, not unlike FFF's 'PPL focussed' CPL, allowing for paid instruction and a greater level of theoretical knowledge and flying skill.
Personally I think that the skill level requirement for FIs is under-rated, and again yesterday the point was strongly made that it is very difficult to teach beyond your own standard. FIs must also have the additional capacity to demonstrate accurate flying whilst teaching, monitoring the student, and carrying out all of the nav/comms/lookout airmanship tasks.
As already highlighted, the FIC pre-flight test is a complete joke. Have it done independently? The CAA only have 7 fixed wing examiners who are already hugely busy.
I'm sure that there are some experienced PPLs out there who would make terrific instructors. I have also flown with a number of PPLs who would like to go down this route and would make dreadful FIs.