Thanks for that Genghis, there is actually a Microlight school at Perth with an Instructor I know well so I can get him to do me a quick checkout, as you say nothing to lose and makes sense from a safety perspective.
Seem to be a couple of AX3's for sale at the moment so finding one shouldnt be a problem, just need to find somewhere to keep it! I've read that they are pretty robust and can be kept outside as long as the engine is covered, not ideal but if thats all I can get locally then so be it!
As for gliding, I've seen the threads and was actually warned by a few ex-members who are now powered pilots but I thought I'd find out for myself, have to say its pretty much as they said it would be!