Clare Prop, that explains why we see what we are. It is as we suspect the trainers not the trainees. However agree that some trainees need to sort out in their heads why they want to be pilots as the real world is usually worlds apart from the stereotype.
The fact that we get the occasional excellent well trained newbie, tells me that some orgs still do a good job and have a good CFI with a firm grip on the reins. Sadly though they are in the minority, but they don't go unnoticed.
MS