Air Jockey,
I think you have a lot of decent input, but I also think your real question is when will YOU solo?

So, from what you've told us, I'd say a couple more outings should do it. (Of course I'm saying this without seeing you fly.)

I'd ask your instructor how long HE thinks before you can solo. Ask what he thinks you need to work on most, then ask him to help you with that.

I like my students to tell me about their concerns, what they think their strengths (and weaknesses) are. When I take a student up, I'm usually planning that session to work on what I perceive their weakness to be, but my perceptions may not coincide with his.

Hang in there, it's worth it in the long run. I learned a great deal from my instructor. Things it would have taken me MUCH longer to learn on my own.
Dennis-