TNB,
Getting a US weather briefing is far more than simply having TAFs and METARs read out to you on the phone. The pre-flight briefer will inform you or any pertinent PIREPS, NOTAMS, and any other information which would affect your flight, or near route of flight. It is the PICs responsibility to be fully aware of weather conditions, NOTAMS and other pertinent information before setting off on any flight, and I fail to see how having a comprehensive pre-flight briefing somehow insinuates that a person should not be PIC of an aircraft. In fact, I would suggest that any pilot who does not make full use of services offered is infact un-qualified to act as PIC of an aircraft. Anyone can interpret TAFs and METARs, but TAFs and METARs should not be considered in isolation. Having a service which gives the pilot a fully comprehensive briefing, including synopsis, current weather, forecast weather,NOTAMs, PRIEPS, AIRMETS, SIGMETs, and any other pilot requested info should not be considered inferior. I object to paying £17 for the privilege of obtaining required information, which is just another example of how the US is more GA friendly overall.
True, lots of information can be found on the internet, and I use AVBrief in the UK though it is still not as good as the service offered by the flight service stations in the US. I would be prepared to pay a yearly subscription for a service similar to 1800WXBrief, due to difference in funding between the US and UK, but I think £17 for a pre-flight is a rip off.
By the way, many people on these Forums, do prefer to fly in the US over the UK. I fly regularly in the US, an have my FAA ME IR and can rent a Seneca for the same price as you probably pay for a crappy old single in the UK. Stop whining about people who fly in the US and go and try it. You might enjoy the experience.
Regards
EA