Gordo, for comparison, my experience with the FAA.
Around 1996 I proffered my HKG ATPL and log book to the Torrance FAA office and within twenty minutes they had issued an FAA PPL with only a 747 on it. That was the only aircraft I was current upon. The guy behind the desk commented that if I found someone to rent me one, I was good to go.
It at least allowed me to go down the road to Torrance AP and start to get a Robbo on my licence. Simpler times.