Who said "plotting waypoints" cant be direct? Pilotage waypoints, VOR cross radials, DME from a VOR etc, etc. can't all be plotted on a direct route? You always have some sort of landmark you can still "plot waypoints" for. You are far over thinking this. Also, bring you damn Ipad, and a sectional. Then, if it so suits you AFTER making a true flight plan for you to follow along with you still have it as a back up, or even a primary. The school you are renting from probably just wants you to do all your math (including ETA, ETE etc).
But seriously, if marking a few waypoints down on a piece of paper with approximate time enroute to is an issue. I wont say, get out of aviation. But damn man, you are a pilot. Deal with it. Or get out. Because pilot life will be rough for you when you cant do things exactly how you want all the time. Trust me, things never go exactly as planned in aviation.
Last edited by Aviator89; 09-03-2014 at 05:34 PM.