FFF & LF,
I was definitely _not_ including your good selves in the "grinding" - your comments and questions were courteous and (I hope) got a reply in like manner! Apologies if my briefness and multiple addressees clouded this.
There were others, in this thread and elsewhere, who were less well-mannered, particularly towards BEagle and his efforts, and I just wanted to add a "big hug" to my message, for him :-)
Personally, I would like to see a private pilot licence, with the minimum of regulation, acceptable to the pilot population and administered by a GA group. (As a lapsed glider pilot - too much work, not enough free time - I remember the BGA and recommend their light but effective regulation).
Regards,
Tocsin