It's not a question of airworthiness but of a tired and old image of this leisure activity shown to prospective newcomers.
Especially this:
> the biggest mistake I think is when it comes to trial/sight seeing flights where a persons expectations are much higher in terms of quality.
One school I had a trial flight with had a row of aircraft which was still there when we came back, so presumably a choice of which to take us up in. They chose to take us up in what looked like the oldest and tattiest one that was there.
To make things more interesting, the battery was flat so we were started with a starter pack. Hey ho, welcome to flying!
Of course, that has no impact on the flight or on how the aircraft flies, but when you are (or maybe you are not?) trying to attract newcomers ... it's surely a sad state of affairs?
Is it a rite we all have to go through before we can enter the hallowed halls of 'those who have suffered before us' ?
And then we wonder why some many PPLers drop out after the first solo - or during the first year after getting their license.
The economic reality for schools is what it is, but to excuse the status quo by saying 'it is good enough for you, trust me' and seemingly accepting it as a desired state of affairs is surely a bit shortsighted?
Baikonour