Looks like this apparently dead thread has been fanned into life again, so I'll just reiterate what I said on my previous posts.

1. You can learn on your own ( so long as you do not make it dangerous for others).

2. It will not be a disaster if you crash ( so long as you use a cheap resilient plane).

3. It won't cost the world, (so long as you don't show off and use expensive built up planes).

4. A simulator is worth it's weight in gold.

5. Use your head and obey the basic safety rules even if you are alone, - don't be a clever Dick and ignore them. ( it's always better to have someone around though).

6. There is nothing wrong with having an instructor ( if competent and available), anyway, this is more or less mandatory at most busy clubs.

7. There are a lot of people who have wide open spaces, no instructors, plenty of initiative and are keen to fly, so why would you tell them that they shouldn't learn by themselves?

I learned to fly by myself, -
I'm quite old and perhaps not as quick as the younger fraternity, and I'm a little handicapped with an immobile neck etc. - still managed ok by myself (with the assistance of a simulator and a friend).
So ( naysayers), don't tell me it can't or shouldn't be done, or if you can't think of anything constructive to say. don't call the thread a troll!