Wolfie - why rant when you could by a whole flyable single seat aeroplane for less than £3000 and fly for less than £10 an hour with Permit to Fly administered through the PFA? I assume the hours in your logbook are what you are interested in and not what you're flying?
A great many engineering outfits do give a 'menu' price for inspections but that involves only that - having a look (and maybe an oil change and lube)! Rectification comes at the shop hourly rate depending on what's buggared. The problem is that sometimes different folk have different standards about when something needs fixin'.
Clearly the best guide to costs for a particular type is an owner - so ask around...
I am sure if cost per hour is your only criteria then Permit to Fly wins hands down.
Good Luck to you , too
