You need to try searching again mate there are many many threads on most of your questions and you can sit here for hours reading the whys and wherefores.
That said Anyone who has gone the modular route has done a PPL followed by the atpls exams , because that is the way it is done . You will rarely find anyone who will slag of their GS most people seem happy with the service their provider gave . Although popular opinion would be if you are going distance learning there is only one route to go and that is BGS you wont get much argument there .The flying side is where the differences are .
If you passed the aptitude test at cranwell why arent you considering the military route ???? its far cheaper and they pay you and you are garaunteed a job if you pass.
With regards to age there is a thread running called "The perpeptual am I too old " this should give you a hint as to how many times this one has been asked .
You will find the advice given too you on here is based mainly on their own personal experiences , mainly of one school or one route , they have no experience of any other so take advice with pinch of salt and find out for yourself by reserching and visiting potential FTO's
Dont fall for marketing spiel (visit OAA you will see what I mean)
Dont pay any money up front
Good luck