The original question was mainly about trainee drop-out rates.
After four straight GFT cancellations due to the Great British Weather I am certainly wondering why I bother!
I think that the myth that the flying mags perpetuate, i.e. that a VFR licence is of some practical use in this country, doesn't help the situation with students - many of whom have unrealistic expectations.
And as we know, there are some VERY dodgy flying schools out there which must surely put a lot of people off...
Sorry for the rant - just a bit frustrated at the moment.