Go to the US. Do an intensive JAA course. Come back again. You'll find that the money and time saved is more than enough to get you checked out, and up and about in the local club PA28s, should you ever decide to darken their door again.
It would be nice to support local clubs, but there are far too many that are the way you describe. Hard-nosed it may be, but they deserve to go out of business, and you shouldn't waste your money delaying the day that happens.
Charlie.