We had the same outcome in canada with the introduction of the Recreational Pilots license. Virtually everybody that started the RPP ended up continuing on to a full PPL. I think the PPL skill level is the lowest realistic standard of pilot competance and to think it can somehow be achieved in less hours through some other training scheme is simply wishfull thinking. I think the terrible accident rate for French Brevet de Pilot holders is an example of the fact that there is a irreducable minimum level of flying training required to make a safe pilot out the average person.