akirk wrote:what I don't understand (and maybe others can explain) is the apparent contradiction in someone having sufficient interest in Advanced Driving to be a regular member of this forum - yet having no interest in improving their own driving!
That's because you're making the assumption that everyone is into Advanced Driving for the same reasons. My interest is mainly because I'm a business driver and most of my driving is on main roads and in traffic - my reasons for wanting to be a better driver are probably a lot different to the majority of posters on here. I don't tend to do a great deal of driving outside of work, unless it's taking part in IAM or ADUK events.
Although it can be fun, most of the stuff that people on here seem to enjoy is less relevant once you get away from the quieter roads where this kind of driving can be practiced. Note that I didn't say it was unimportant, just not as important for me. I actually enjoy traffic and main roads at least as much as the B roads.
For me, safety, smoothness, economy and interaction with other road users take precedence over progress. I find I rarely if ever have to worry about the more "sporty" aspects of driving such as handling, grip, feedback etc. as the majority of my driving is carried out well within the limits of the car.
This is why I believe professional coaching would probably be a waste of time and money in my case. That doesn't mean I believe it would be the case for everyone or even that I wouldn't learn from the experience, just that I don't believe it would be worth the expense.
I hope that clears things up a bit and goes someway to explaining the "friction" between me and other members of the forum.