Many of the chaps I fly with did DL ATPLs, so I don't think it matters. It is a necessary evil, and I don't really think I could remember much of what I studied. By the time my company sent me on a type rating I struggled to remember most of the 'important' facts. I do find myself digging into books every now and then to familiarize myself with general knowledge items.
I worked full-time and completed the 14 subjects in 12 months. Many did it in a shorter time-frame. Thank heavens I don't have to do that again...
If you can keep your job, then in the current recruitment climate, I'd hang onto it. I had the same debate myself, and often wondered if I'd have the sticking power, but I'd set myself goals for the week/month, and came up with a timetable to finish off each part of each module. I also booked up the brush-up courses according to the timetable, and it made me focus on the time left.
I went to Bristol Ground School, as did many of my colleagues. I found them pretty good, and the notes/computer program very helpful.