I have a private. I only use it when someone else is paying for the gas. Test flights, joy rides and such. I have afriend who has a Micco SP26 retractable, tail wheel, joystick. The aircraft is the most fun flying I have ever done.
I began work on my license a long time ago but did not get too far for various reasons, mostly economic. Lately the bug has bitten me to go for it again and the economic situation si much better for me now. I hope to begin lessons again soon.