Pace - I had an almost identical experience with a glider syndicate, except that both the other partners were clueless. The first decided to try and start the turbo after losing the ridge lift, and rather predictably cartwheeled it into an inadequate field. When the other landed it gear up, I decided to get out at any cost, which turned out to be a big cost, because the repairs had taken their toll on what was a beautiful £100k glider, and also cos other members at the club had more sense! The irony was, the self appointed leader of the syndicate hadn't even let me fly the glider for several months, until I had completed a regime of training of his own devising, despite 1000 hours of gliding, and previously owning an slmg!
On the other hand, I had two great syndicates, one in another glider, and in a PA28. On balance, I would avoid syndicates, and just get something cheaper.