I certainly wasn't arguing that minimum legal hours is the same as flying hundreds of hours. What I was simply pointing out is that even doing the minimum is, for various reasons, not quite as straightforward as it seems.
If the minimum legal requirement is all I can achieve for the time being, then so be it. I'll do what I need to do to maintain my licence. However, at some point in the future, I hope I'll be able to do an IMC rating, have more money and time, and do those big trips (South of Spain, round Britain, Italy) which I dream about.
But right now, getting airborne is not easy. I've booked my club's plane for Saturday. Perhaps a chance for a first visit to Biggin Hill - but the weather does not look like it's going to be sufficiently good (plus ca change!). I suspect that I'll be watching the rugby on telly instead of flying this weekend. Again.