The flying magazines - if they had any regard for their readers - would advise that paying 'up front' is a proven way of putting your money at risk.
The financial record of flying clubs is pretty terrible. The chances of the average flying club going 'bust' are similar to rolling a dice. Whilst there are a number of long lived and stable clubs, the majority are short lifed and financial marginal.
But magazines get much of their advertising revenue from clubs - so they are hardly likely to bite the hand that feeds.
Retailers that sell leather furniture are actually more reliable than flying clubs - which perhaps gives a little more perspective.
The critical point is that the vast majority of student ppls have not idea how unreliable these business' are. Why should they - they are licenced by the CAA, they apparently work within a highly regulated environment - except you have about a 15% chance of your discount flying evaporating.
It is strange that you bang on about personal responsibility and yet feel flying clubs should be exempt..........