aidanl,
that is pretty much what i had concluded - and for mainly the same reasons.
i think that the ATPL's will be the way i go so i can keep my options open, and consider getting an IR in the future if my circumstances allows it.
just on another note, i'm off to check out a couple of local schools over the next few weeks. i dont plan on signing up to anything just yet, as i would like to get more hours and become a little more confident in my own flying abilities first, but just to get a feel for the pain and torment i am likely to subscribe to over the next few years!! :-)