RW-1
I agree, the ppl is not a race. Mind when you are paying the bill yourself, it is all too easy to get "houritis". Budgeting for 60 -70 hours seems sensible.
As for those who will never manage it.... I've had students who I felt were never going to get there and I simply had a quiet chat to tell them that they were struggling. I gave them the option of flying with another instructor, but most just said that they enjoyed it too much to give up and would just keep taking lessons. Ah to have that much money....