JW - I think you're onto the right track by thinking about distance learning. Especially with Bristol, as they're superb. I'm about 1/4 of the way through the groundschool (with Bristol). I figure that, doing everything part time while keeping my full-time job, I'll have my ATPL(f) in about 2 or 3 years. The general opinion seems to be that the market will have picked up in that time - and, even if it hasn't, I'll still have my old job to fall back on. So I say go for it!
Good luck!
FFF
--------------