more expensive training, extra textbooks,
But you just said, you guys already had the knowledge to do all this? Surely the step would just be a simple top up and revision to pass the theory. A Cessna 152 (which shouldnt be a hard jump in terms of power) can be rented at a major BK school for $235 dual. I can't remember off the top of my head how much you can convert from RAAus to PPL hours but it should only take you all the minimum cause you are already at the standard.
I am on your side. We need to be measured by the same yardstick of competency but to do that for RAAus would increase the expense to so close to GA it makes GA (with the bonuses of multi, IFR, night, CPL etc.) more worthwhile.
SW3, fair enough, I respect your opinion. We can most definitely agree on this no matter which side of the argument we fall:
More flying, less politics.