So we've managed to establish the following:
- Cessnas are good training aircraft
- Cessnas fly nicely (Although I personally think this means that they are so docile any monkey could fly one)
- Cessnas are reliable
- Cessnas have a good safety record
- Tatty looking aircraft are just as well maintained as shiny new ones
So nobody can offer a reason why I shouldn't learn to fly on a DA40. Therefore I can only conclude that either those who responded have never flown a DA40 or they have but know of no reason not to learn to fly on one.
I must admit I'm quite surprised with the overwhelming emphasis on flying the easiest possible plane so you can get the licence as soon as possible. People don't seem to look beyond getting the licence and realise that if you intend to fly anything other than a basic trainer you will have to do more training anyway. Surely anyone like me who has no interest in flying basic trainers after getting the licence might just as well train on a more advanced/difficult plane in the first place?