Think the fundamental problem with Pilot, which is also an issue with the others to a lesser extent, is that the majority of the content is submitted by amateur writers. No disrespect to the authors, but do find most of those travel pieces in Pilot in particular, where Joe PPL flies round France for example, plain boring. Some of the flight tests are pretty lifeless affairs too. As a long time Pilot subscriber, I'm sad to say the mag is sadly becoming more akin to one of those spotter/air enthusiast affairs.
The US mags are far superior, with some very experienced aviators who also happen to be superb, creative writers.
Flyer would get my vote if I had to choose a UK mag.