I took 66hrs to the NPPL, didn't save much except the medical £10 GP autograph.
Several other students at the time took similar times, either PPL or NPPL.
I agree the 45hrs is a myth.
No it's not. Everyone takes a different amount of time that is certainly true.
But there are many many people who do the PPL in minimum and many who will even include a night qualification in that time as well.
It is much better to choose the licence that suits your longer term plans than a licence that appears cheap.
If you have no intention to do anything more than DAY/VFR flying in permit aircraft than the NPPL and the LAPL that will replace it could suit you. If you can't get a full Class 2 medical again the NPPL/LAPL route would be favourable. But remember these are sub ICAO licences and as such will not be valid outside of Europe.
So if you want greater options, which include night and instrument as well as a multitude of other flavours on the horizon or might want to further your career then looking at a JAA/EASA PPL is probably the best option.
It's horses for courses but choosing wisely now will save money and hassle in the long run.