[seansoutpost]

Then why allow PPL holders to have passengers at all. Why does it magically change when you split a tank of gas with me? I agree, I am skeptical of flying with low hours pilots. I AM a low hour pilot and I'm skeptical of flying myself! But it would be perfectly legal for me to take passengers as a PPL holder. It's also perfectly legal for me and others to share the flight costs down to a common destination. As long as I don't pay less than my fair share. I think saying that something is transformed when I say on a public forum "Hey guys, I'm going to New Orleans for the weekend. Anyone want to come down and split costs with me?" Is being dishonest.

Either passengers can assess the danger, or they can't.

Paying for half a tank of gas does not change that.