thanks everyone for their comments and good to see this thread has morphed into something different
i actually was seriously contemplating doing RPC->RPL (seemed cheaper) -> PPL, however I could not find anyone around my area who could credibly explain the process of "activating" the RPL post RPC (i.e. how many hours will it take to do the RPL GA flight review, which GA school will do it, how many hours on average etc), so it was very hard for me to budget. In the end, the GA school was willing to walk me through their RPL/PPL process so I went with them.
On hindsight, with a bit more reading/information I should have just gone RAA/RPC -> RPL (frozen). Then continue with a aerobatics/tailwheel endorsement to activate the RPL. Would have been cheaper and I will be learning new skills I think. As it stands, I intend to do a UPRT/tailwheel course after RPL before progressing with navs to get my PPL anyway.
I have also heard though that RA planes are harder to land and are more zippy - I have yet to try this but given I'm just a student pilot, I guess my choices are limited. Maybe I should try a foxbat or a tecnam sport as they seem to be available for learning in around my area