honestly 50k won't be enough
Is very true.
I wouldn't go integrated at all, unless you're on a cadetship
Agreed, but I wouldn't go modular either. If it were my dream to become a commercial pilot I'd do my best at school in order to be in a position to apply for a cadetship with a proper airline.
I don't believe that an academically able person is any better a pilot
They have proven their ability to work hard and learn complex theories. That makes them more attractive to employers. And so it should.
Get a job in the general aviation for a year or two and you will improve your flying skills a lot
Good luck. What jobs in GA?
But don't believe this:-
and now earn in the region of 3.5k a month and have only been an FO for a few months, and the money will only get better.
Presumably this is untaxed income in the form of a repayment of 'expenses'. Is that a true 'wage'? Will things get better next year when you pay tax? When your hours drop?
I wonder.