In fact, as I raised the issue - in terms of cheapest route (rather than lowest hours):
PPL + hour build to ~158hrs in a C152 or similar
MEIR 21hrs a/c + 35sim + 3hrs test (say)
CPL 15hrs + 2.5hrs test (say)
This 'should' be the cheapest route? 200hrs a/c and 35 simulator, so 235hrs all in, though allowing CPL issue. How does this stack up?