Mmmm, I don't agree with that to be honest.
I think getting the licence is a brick wall as you more or less have to pay high prices for ancient, expensively insured club a/c. Once you have the PPL it opens up a world of cheaper flying. I for one found out about the group aircraft at my airfield straight after gaining my licence. I ended up paying a few hundred quid for an insurance share in a single seater that cost 10 quid a hour (wet) to fly. Since gaining my licence 6 years ago I have never had to rent an aeroplane (except for the BFR).
Just use your imagination, cheap (ish) flying can be had if you are not too proud to fly something that is slow and has no roof
Bill