Genghis,
At the risk of being pedantic, I think your post gives the impression that there is no form of gliding licence, which is slightly misleading. The CAA have devolved regulation of Gliding and its licencing to the British Gliding Association, who as I'm sure you are aware, set a syllabus, and examine student pilots before issuing their equivalent of a licence, the BGA Gliding Certificate. I hope it doesnt sound like I am splitting hairs, but I just wanted to clarify...... and by the way, I agree with your advice relating to good situational awareness and the use of coordinated controls when flying a glider......I recently flew a glider, after a ten year break, and its amazing how much your feet forget what they are for!!!
Blue skies....