The problem with that is they you won't give any discount or commitment on your training schedule because you won't commit ! You must choose a FTO with a track-record (such as decades under same ownership) and you may protect yourself by paying with a credit card but, again, more expensive. Other than that, it is impossible to say- there have been spectacular failures of both club and commercial FTO's. Also, some 'clubs' are actually commercial or the training is the CFI's private business. Even in a genuine club, you have to pay joining fees/subs. and, as a student, you are just a one vote nobody even if the Committee let you attend any meetings.
On the other point I agree- only consider CPL and where to go if/after you become a private pilot. The other factors are money and time.
A JAA PPL and night rating, including all the extras, at a London area FTO cannot be cheap- (avg £8k ?. -much more at some sexy schools). It will, also, take you many months to achieve and can be extremely frustrating when you are cancelled because of weather, lack of instructor, aircraft unavailable etc. The obvious alternative is a 4 week course at a JAA FTO in Florida which would probably cost around £5k including accommodation. You would have to factor in the air fare of up to £500 but, on the other hand and unless you are round the corner, the real cost of getting to and from an airfield in UK 50+ times must be c. £500, if not more Also, in the UK, you will definitely have to devote hundreds of hours to travel, training, study, waiting around etc. which equates to more than the month away.
The Florida JAA PPL course option is not suitable for those who have to save up for every lesson or who cannot get-away from wife, work etc. but has been a well-known, cheaper and successful method for thousands of Brits.
As regulars know, my research suggests
Ormond Beach Aviation - JAA PPL USA UK Flight Training USA, Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, Orlando, naples, FL,Florida specializing in JAA JAR PPL,airplane training,IMC,Night,Multi,FAA,Radio licence, JAA ATPL,professional pilot program but there are several other JAA FTO's in Florida on which I cannot comment.
Wherever you go, GET LIST OF COSTS IN WRITING beforehand and 'full details of all extras inc. surcharges' (for which some FTO's are notorious).
Lastly, don't believe any promises about future employment prospects (with airlines or as an instructor) if you choose the FTO making such a promise.