Ignorance is Bliss
Hey A-S,
As far as I am aware (it has been some time since I reviewed CAOs) the only mandatory requirement for a unrestricted PPL, after completion of restricted PPL (now GFPT) was 5 hours solo cross country navigation.
It is not unreasonable to have a "switched on" and "motivated" student complete his GFPT in @ 35 - 38 hours. Now, if you were a boy scout or orientier in your childhood and impressed your instructor on your first nav ride he might let you go off on your 2 hour and 3 hour solo navs. Of course there is the PPL flight test after this (about 1.5 - 2 hours).
At the end of the day, a Unrestricted PPL is very achievable in @ 48 - 50 hours.
As for the IFR rating - you can get that anytime after the issue of an Unrestricted PPL provided you meet the night hour experience requirements (essentially a NGT VFR rating - 10 hours minimum).
IFR ratings (multi and single engine) are not the sole pervay of commercial pilots.
As for sheite pilots - there arn't any. Just those who assimulate instruction very well and those who can not remember what day it was yesterday - GET MY DRIFT.
Good luck