I personally always wanted to be a FI before moving on. And I was lucky in getting a full time FI position.
I enjoy teaching and in interview instead of giving the usual I want to be a Capt in 5 years time. I will say I want to also be part of the training team in some form. And with any luck my job will allow me to continue teaching PPL's.
And I agree with you, when things pick up again the number of FI's will drop.
Teaching students I think actually teaches you a lot more than you realise. There is the obvious spacial awarness and confidence.
But it also teaches you alot about human performance, the reactions of other pilots under stress and dealing with people.
I also think that I changed as an Instructor after the MCC which highlighted points about information flow in the cockpit which wern't covered in the FI course.
MJ