Good man/woman!
Your holding on to your dream to fly. Never give up! But dont forget, its not as easy to get into as you may seem.
Extrance exams, course fees... medical. One hurdle after another, but if you want it you'll get it!
From what ive been told the key age to do your ATPL is 18 - 29. But people have done it outside of this.
So i dont think your age will be a problem. Im going to be probably 23/24 by the time i get to do mine. (waiting list for college).
As for having something to fall back on, thats a fantasic idea, BUT i think once you have taken a 321 or 738 off the ground a normal job just wont cut it!
PPL, from what i was told, most colleges (providing you want to intergrated) prefare you to have zero or no hours. As you pick up bad habbits. If i where you id do a few hours to really make sure its what you want. (Im sure it is) This will also give you time to get familar with everything. I had a friend who wanted to do ATPL but found himself getting sick when he was flying privatly. He did over come it with time but i supose its best to do it then, instead of forking out £60 K then realising!
Personally i feel its such a long way away! I cant wait til i step into my desired college for the first time (Jerez) Its going to be difficult but i want it so bad, i'll stop at nothing to get everything passed.
As for the recient plots etc, it is going to be interesting to see what happens next. Right now if i was half way trough my ATPL training or ground school i would be craping it!
Either way, best of luck with the law thingy. Id stick with it, then go try for ATPL.
All the best.
EIDW