Hahaha! Very good! Yes, I take your point. It is quite an expensive day out and I'm glad I had my parents to contribute to it for me! But what I meant was compare that amount to, say, the amount one might be earning in a year (granted, I know some people aren't, I'm in that position myself) and think about the fantastic position you'll be in if you DO make it through - I'd happily pay it.
Also, regardless of the £60k bond if you do get on the course - compare the £164 to the NZ$12000 (approx £4100) for the foundation course, £600+ insurance and £302 for the JAA Class I medical. It soon makes that £164 for stage 2 seem even smaller! Although I admit that's not much consolation if you don't pass stage 2.