X-Channel check w/ an instructor IS a con! Or are these clubs/FTOs afraid of their own shadow? All those who have crossed the Channel on a light aircraft will know that it's a non-event. Basically, file VFR, then head South-East until reporting mid-Channel, when ATC will advise to contact Paris Information with your details. That's it! Big deal...
As long as you have a life jacket on board and can swim, you should be OK
If the school requires an instructor to be present when crossing the Channel, why not also when doing a X-country to North Wales or the Highlands (which have some pretty foreboding terrain), or the Isle of Man, or even the Isle of Wight? Nobody requested me in Florida to take an instructor along when overflying the Everglades (even though it wasn't recommended on a single-engine). Likewise in South Africa, no instructor necessary for navigation flights over the highveld and the bush, or the Kalahari... pretty inhospitable too!
Cheers
