MDP,
Whirls is spot on. She's not saying that people who do things in minimum hours are 'better' or 'worse', but purely for everybody to be careful and accept that everything is a continuous learning process.
I guess in theory you could do a PPL in minimum hours (overseas?), hardly encounter a cloud or a lick of wind and then take your skills test. Sombody who trains in more adverse conditions and takes twice as long is more likely to have a bit more in the bag of experience than the 45 hour hotshot, despite not necessarily being as naturally talented. But I guess there will always be exceptions.
Heeding Whirly's advice would be a good thing for anybody no matter what their situation.
Just be careful.