Fabulous thread - lots of good comments and advice in here.
To add my bit for the ab initio's:
1. Do it. - it will make you a safer, confident and more disciplined pilot.
2. Understand the concepts of rolling 'g' and why it is dangerous.
3. In reference to 2 make your pre-flight VERY thorough especially if you're hiring the a/c. You don't know what the previous renter did - eg check for wing skin rippling, or broken ribs if fabric covered.
4. Competitions will hone your flying and mental discipline skills
5. Don't ever attempt to teach yourself basic aeros. Get qualified instruction.
Soapbox mode off. Cleaed for finals.