DiagonalLeg - thanks for trusting me. I did spend much of 2007/8 being called a doom monger, pessimist and wannabe economist. Its always nice to hear that my efforts helped stave off another Wannabe from the current cesspit of employment opportunities. I get many such communications via PM. The current status quo is simply awful and CPL/IR holding Wannabes are gripped firmly by the balls by the only couple of airlines currently hiring. The squeezing brings a tear to my eye merely as a spectator..
The gliding is an excellent idea. I started that way and became an instructor. It was fun, relevant and free. A winning combination..
Good Luck,
WWW