Prophead
I have been reading every post you have posted on this thread with great interest. I totally agree with you in everything you say, that why spend over the odds and do an intense course over a short period of time with the chances of getting a job anytime soon are minimal.
Having taken your advice onboard, which at the moment seems the most realistic, I plan to complete my PPL at Cardiff and join a syndicate of an a/c which is available to me to complete my hours building. Then, if and when the industry is on the up, I plan to go to Bristol GS to complete ATPL studies and onto Bristol Aviation for CPL/IR.
This way I feel that I would not be exposing myself to any huge risks as I would with integrated, and as you have said, train to become a 'good' pilot in command unsupervised and enjoy the real flying.
Thanks for the great advice and keep it coming
Regards
Scott