Hi,
I cannot answer all of your questions, but here goes on the main ones:
1) Is it possible to get a Full NPPL (M) license and be able to fly solo / with passengers after the minimum 25hrs? I am confused because some sources say get your NPPL (M) in 25hrs others say 35hrs ... what is it? I know the 25hrs would be bare minimum depending on the individuals flying awsomeness but for example what is the right amount of time?
The syllabus says you could complete the course in 25 hours minimum and, like C42 above, I am aware of one person who did his in 25 hours at the flying school I went to by booking the training aircraft for a whole week & flying every hour he could in that week. So, in theory (& occassionally in practice) you can do your licence and take people up with you after 25 hours.
However, my NPPL(M) took me 55 hours, mainly due to a combination of old age & trying to fit lessons in against the weather which is a problem with learning in the UK. A few people have commented that after 55 hours I was showing myself to be a more experienced than the chap who did his in 25 hours having experienced various winds; flying in snow showers; landing on sheet ice; going around under the power lines etc that you won't get if you blitz the sylllabus in 25 hours
2) What are the exact conditions I will be allowed to fly in such as weather and range limitations? How do they differ from the other type of license ratings stated above?
This is where I'm not 100% on the various licence limitations. An NPPL(M) limits you to flying in under 15 knot winds, in the hours of daylight, under visual flight rules (best grab a copy of Cosgrove & look it up in there, he explains it very well).
3) What are the main differences between restricted and unrestricted licenses?
Under NPPL(M) - Restircted means you haven't done the navigation exercises yet & so you have to fly within 10nm radius of the airfield. Also you cannot carry passengers. There are a few limited times when a restricted licence is of use - for example if you have bought your own microlight and are keeping it within 10nm of the training airfield. Under a restricted licence you could fly it to & from the training base for further lessons. I'm not aware of anyone actually doing the restricted licence.
Do these help, PM me if you have more questions