Question for instructors (past & present)
The consensus of opinion here is that safety apparel is recommended whether it be gloves, footwear, suits, helmets etc.
Why then don't instructors wear the same gear and also encourage their students to get appropriately kitted out? If this happened, instructors can pass on information about what to look out for, any pitfalls, how to get a helmet to fit correctly etc. Then, if this became standard, no-one would feel a berk!
Given the "overall" (pun intended) cost of obtaining a PPL(H) and, of course subsequent licences and ratings, the cost of the kit is only a small proportion.
Cheers
Whirls