Well okay, maybe my post wasn't so crystal, but I knew what I meant!
RudeStuff maybe put it more succinctly - it's always better to fly dual to build up time..
There is indeed a lot of info on here about HAI, most of it old, but still worth the read. I did my research and the FAA/J-1 route isn't for me, but that doesn't mean it's bad. If my circumstances were different I might go for it.
Will leave turbine, but the sling and mountain I just want to do for fun - and to improve my skills..!
The FAA IR was tempting, but my advice would be to carefully think about where you want to go with that IR. If it's to a JAA ME IR then read through all the rules and cost it up in todays prices to see if it's worth doing, and more importantly how current your skills may be when you come to convert.
That said, if you're doing the J-1 FAA route, then you will have to do it!
See you on the beach!