The challenges associated with private flying in my view stem from the diverse – and consequently interesting – group of people the hobby attracts. As with any hobby in any leisure activity there will always be the polarised extremes.
While I understand the driving analogy I don’t think I necessarily agree with it. A well planned and executed trip from the SE to Caernarfon will greatly enhance a pilots experience and competence exponentially in relation to the actual time flown. Indeed, while I have acquired some 300 hours total time since taking up flying some 5 years ago – I have only added a night rating given that I preferred to spent my money on exploration trips to different airfields in different parts of the country. My experience of differing ATC and airfield operators and therefore my flying makes me a more experienced – but not necessarily a better – pilot than someone with the same hours but remained local.
My final thought is that this hobby is not unique. Prior to taking up flying I sailed both dinghies and yachts for fun, instruction and competition. The same arguments over experience over competency range in that arena too…
Flying well is, in my view, a mindset. Plan to fly to the best of your ability while thinking ahead makes it a pleasurable and exciting experience for all.