The LAPL was built on the principles adopted for the UK NPPL and some continental equivalents such as in Germany. I believe it will be successful in achieving the aims for which it was established.
I'd say that will be the case for maybe 30-40% of the people taking up the course.
For most, they will be mis-sold the course as a cheaper alternative, which I firmly believe it isn't, and the rest will be like the OP here thinking that it could be a first step to a career in flying, when the proper first step is just to do the full PPL in the first place, and if you can't afford it then not to start.