Catalystman - you don't write as somebody who has done well out of education before - I wonder to what extent that's affecting your problems? I've been "back" into education a few times, and the longer the gap, or the lower quality my preceding education had been, the tougher it was. High quality study is something that needs recency, just as much as flying does, in my experience.
Generally: why not do a PPL? It does four things:-
(1) Adds a few more hours to make you marginally more attractive when you hit the job market
(2) Tells YOU if you've really got the passion and aptitude for flying (and hard work!) you THINK you have.
(3) Gets you into a related study habit before hitting the big stuff.
(4) Demonstrates real enthusiasm and commitment.
Particularly because of (2), I'm of the opinion that a PPL for many people contemplating an integrated route may be the best value £7k or so they'll ever spend.
I'd just say that do the PPL with a reasonably professional school and make sure they know you think you're going commercial, so will treat you with the seriousness and rigour that you want to develop.
Last edited by Genghis the Engineer; 7th Dec 2013 at 12:49.