Hi xPigx.... Radar is 100% correct in his statements concerning soloing. When I was an instructor, some of my students soloed in as little as 12 hours, but most were around 15 to 20. The highest being 55 hours- don't ask, he wasn't really cut out to fly, but he finally did it. IMHO, setting all these time frames and deadlines takes all the fun out of earning your PPL ticket. Sit back, relax- enjoy your PPL training. But don't forget, this training is the foundation of the type of pilot you will become.

And as for the instrument training- go for it! Like the others on here said, it's building time towards your 250 for your commercial. And on top of it, you will be surprised at how much more precise your flying will be after you get your instrument ticket.

Also, on the topic of ATPs... I've really only used them for written exams and some multi engine block time. The instructors are nice people, but it's just another pilot factory. Find a good instructor who you get along well with, and stick with him/her. Don't forget, ATP is a pilot factory- and a lot of those guys have SJS, so the minute Mesa or Pinnacle calls, they're gone and you're out an instructor.