Hi funky,
Thanks for the thoughts - just that the ME is a bit out of my reach at the moment, and I'd just like to lock in the atpl theory, which I've got. Then gives me a bit longer to get the multi and makes for a cheaper IR renewal next year. I'm not in a rush to get it all done, not yet! Just like to keep some money in the bank for life's other eventualities.
Agree with everything you've said regarding training though. Cheers.