Seems to me there are more planes to fly than pilots to fly them.
At my clubs at Redhill and Biggin there's generally good rental availability, especially early in the week, and you can book just a day or two ahead. Then, if you find something not quite right with one plane during your preflight check chances are you can take another. If you're prepared to put down some money with your club (and that's been discussed to death elsewhere here) rental prices can be keen.
