I agree completely with 28th.
One of the main reasons flying is more expensive in the UK than abroad is the cost of aviation fuel. If you're not happy about that, then you need to speak to your MP and get him to lobby Government. Good luck - many millions of motorists haven't been successful, so I doubt if a few thousand pilots will be!
But you were asking specifically about ATPL ground school. The reason why all schools will charge more than the cost of the materials, even for distance learning, is because you get a lot more than the materials. You get 4 weeks (with most schools) of intensive on-site classroom studying. You get instructors who are always just a phone-call or an e-mail away to help you out if you get stuck. You get progress tests marked and sample answers sent to you. All of this costs money. I do not believe that ATPL ground school costs are a rip-off at all (unlike the cost of fuel).
Many of the negative vibes you may be hearing are related to the reality of life after training. You say "When I qualify as a flight intructor... I'll do absolutely everything I can to help wannabes to come up into the system". You seem to have missed the vital step between qualifying as a flight instructor, and being hired to work as flight instructor. Currently there are thousands of experienced pilots out there, a large proportion of whom are qualified flight instructors but can't find work - what will make you any different?
I have never heard any negative comments directed towards anyone who is training to become a pilot at any kind of level. All you will hear, here or anywhere else, is a mixture of encourament and realism. If you view this realism as elitism, then you've mis-interpreted it. Getting your ATPL(f) is not easy, getting a job is even harder, and everyone on this forum is here to offer you advice and help along the way. But you must not begin this adventure without understanding the risks - especially if you have a wife, kids and a mortgage. If, after reading all of this, you decide to continue (and I think you will, because you sound like you've been bitten by the bug already!) then we will all be here to share the good moment with you, and help you through the bad moments.
Good luck!
FFF
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