Hmm...interesting thread.
WWW,if you were only just to hop across the pond and experiance the US aviation scene you`d understand,its such a great country for flying,everything is geared up for aviation,alot of people do go flying and enjoy themselves at weekends in their own planes,it is a big country,has everything you`d need,open spaces..and if you want busy,you can go do a touch and go at a large airport if you please..for no cost whatsoever.
I think most importantly for students its very relaxed,not alot of stress involved,which really helps out alot in your first few hours.
Not to start a flame war..but from my impressions..the CAA and JAA aren`t really a touch on the FAA..the FAA promote aviation,the CAA and JAA seems to act like they have been lumbered with it,don`t care,not really in touch with the pilots,only politicians and bank accounts.