I suppose some people would say if you work illegally on an L you can just leave if you are stuck with a crappy school or university, but what about getting caught woking illegally?
Good point! I have no qualms about chancing it, in fact I relish doing so. I'm in a position to deal with the consequences and have no regrets afterwards. That I know for sure.

But I realize that it's not a good idea for many others to do as I do.

We know what could happen(which won't be death by hanging) and we know what is likely to happen, you get slung out of the country; but unless you are very careless, it's not likely that you will ever get caught. I couldn't agree more with Foxy, he is obviously a confident person with a strong character. Too many of us these days are too namby-pamby to take a considered chance. You take a chance crossing the road, so they may as well scrape you up with an L visa in your pocket as an expert's certificate. This man Foxy knows how to live, and more power to his elbow.