A fun ride...

[Aegis Bearing Mel]

So *WHO* exactly is putting people off joining the IAM and stopping people from getting the advanced training they could well do with...???

(Fortunately I'm willing to actually go out and *meet* these people and see what benefit I can get from joining them, rather than listen to the pontifications of "some bloke on the forums" who has as much credibility as "a bloke down the pub")

For me you've just answered your own argument with your bracketed text.

It's the preaching aspect of it that puts me (and many others) off doing it, from RoSPA and the IAM both.
I'm all for people getting extra training, but to my mind unless it's DSA approved and regulated then it is exactly what you mentioned, just a group of blokes from down the pub sharing what they've picked up.

I know a few folk that have done it, accepted the advice as just that, not gospel, and felt far more confident with their own riding without feeling the urge the preach to the multiverse.
Others go on it, think it makes them invincible and denounce all non-believers as fools.
Usually just before they redecorate a field with their fairing.
I've also know folk that decry such groups as the work of all that is unholy, however, I'd entrust my entire family to their pillion seat.

As a wise man once said to me, the best training you can get is putting the miles in on your machine.

Be it on your own, in a small group or through a scheme such as IAM/RoSPA then I still believe that covering the distance is the way forward.
:groan
Through watching others you recognise what you're comfortable with, what is safe, what is sheer, unbridled madness (MOFF!!) and what works to keep people safe.

No certificate at the end, no wee book, just the satisfaction of thousands of miles covered without incident.