the only serious accident we had (stall/spin from winch launch cable break) was being flown by a 'fully qualified' ex RAF pilot.
Indeed. I've met some seriously gash mil pilots in GA. Most aren't I might add but I've been surprised at some of them.
Edited to add: there are some seriously gash non mil pilots too but you would probably expect a certain percentage who do it for a hobby now and again to cock up occasionally.