So I am sure you will all tell me why I am wrong, but as someone who is just learning to fly, I tried flyer and pilot, read some online stuff, and ended up subscribing to Pilot.
Whilst there are some articles that don't grab me, overall I really like it. I think the articles are well-written, if not quite up to the standard of more professional publications. Admittedly there is little technical content, which is a shame, and I would like more features, rather than the snippets about "warbirds" etc, but it really is quite good.
Moreover, its definitely improved in the last year. I think it started getting better at about the same time it merged with "Today;s Pilot".
All that said, there is room for a more technical magazine, and definitely room for something about self-building...although I suppose that is the LAA magazine which I don't get as I am not a member.
By comparison, other magazines I have read/subcribed to
Motorbike magazines. Nearly all written by people who can't string two words together, and are only interested in going 200mph. The only one that was better was Motorcycle Sport and Leisure, but I gave up after a while anyway.
Kitcar magazines. Way too technical most of the time
Sailing magazines. Split into three camps. Intelligent ones (yachting monthly and PBO), speed freaks (yachts and yachting) and "You don't have enough money to read this magazine, let alone sail (yachting world).
There was an electronic flying magazine that ran for a few months, put together by a 16 year old, which I was amazed with the quality, given his age. However, I suspect GCSE and A levels took over, and he doesn't do it anymore.
Oh yes, and one final mention...have you read the BMAA mag recently....it has got so much better, its a reason to become a member all by itself!