Thanks for all the replies! It certainly is food for thought. I think I'll go ahead and do the learn to glide package. That should give me a good idea whether or not I want to take it up full time.
It is interesting how 3 of the greatest feats in aviation (gimli glider, air transat and the miracle on the Hudson) were performed by captains who had vast glider experience.
Also read an interesting article from Easyjet captain Sarah Kelmen who says that gliding is something that all airline pilots should do to hone and maintain their hands on flying skills.