Axiom,
Sadly, attitudes like yours are why GA in Australia is in such a parlous state.
Many of the industry's problems are due to poor and minimalist management. Pilots and instructors are not paid their worth and in many cases not paid.
Our aircraft are generally old and ragged. Why would anyone want to lean to fly one of these WW 2 technological rattletraps when other more exciting pursuits are available?
Why has our GA industry got such a poor safety record comparitively speaking when our benign weather and natural environments are considered? Why are over 90% of our accidents a result of human error?
The guys in safety promotions at CASA spend much of their time on the road much to their families chagrin. They work many weekends and none, I believe, play golf and even if they did I would not deny them a round at Merimbula with the work they put in.
Don't knock all those in CASA as many are dedicated and are trying to improve our education and proficiency although you appear to be someone who may find this unnecessary in which case you might consider retiring.
By the way I am not in CASA.
Cheers