SD,
I think you misunderstand me a little, maybe down to the wording in my post.
Try reading it as 'the complicated airspace is condensed into a much smaller space both horizontally and vertically in the UK'. Is that better?
Of course LAX, JFK, ORD, MCO, ATL and no doubt many others have extremely complicated airspace. These are the busiest airports in the world and make MAN look like a grass strip. But they are spread over an entire continent.
From what I have been told, you are hardly likely to encouter two of these on a single nav trip, if any at all.
The other day I went on a nav ex from Barton to White Waltham (lovely airfield). In 1hr 30mins I used the services of 5 lots of controled airspace and 3 MATZ. I lost count of the number of freqiencies I used and I planned the simplest route. It was a 'warm' up for my channel crossing which is pushing me even further.
I freely admit that I have never flown in the US and am basing my whole opinion on second hand info. But they are very reliable sources.
If you find that my opinion 'Alienates' you then you need to ask why. You clearly have the opposite opinion to me and I'm not bothered in the slightest.
Good look to you my friend.
Ironically, out of the two of us, I think you have flown in both countries and undoubtedly have much more flying experience than the newbie PPL that I am. But this purely a subjective matter.
Don't be offended by me 'cause I think it's better for me to hour build in more congested UK airspace to perpare for a UK CPL.
Next time I'm in LAX I'll buy you a crappy US beer and give you a big kiss.
No hard feelings eh?
Edited to apologise for hijacking an excellent thread which has possibly changed my mind about not doing an IMC rating.