I use Southern too.
Today, I would suggest forgetting the piggyback PPL route for anybody who wants the IR, because you (virtually) have to go to the USA for the IR checkride, and you may as well knock off the standalone PPL while you are at it.
I have not come across anybody who seems to know what's happened to the DfT kick-out-N-reg proposal. Very likely, they found strong opposition (well, that is a fact) and decided they have easier fish to fry for now.
One big advantage of N is that you can choose a competent FAA A&P who you know and trust to do the work for you, or with you. Because there is no absolutely fixed 50hr interval (with a possible 10% extension) you can do the servicing at times that suit you. Sometimes at 40hrs, or 60hrs. Whereas on a G you are tied to JAR145 companies who can hide poor workmanship behind their certification. I can't remember how many chewed-up airframe screws I've had to replace after that lot.