Thank you for the response! This does raise a couple more questions that I have.
But as you need an EASA ppl to start CPL modular training anyway, this is likely your pathway to an easa CPL
Are you sure it needs to be an EASA PPL or any ICAO PPL in general? According Part-FCL, it states:
"2. Before commencing a CPL(A) modular course an applicant shall be the holder of a PPL(A) issued in accordance with Annex 1 to the Chicago Convention."
This implies that any PPL from a signing member of ICAO would be valid to start a modular EASA CPL course. Many of the ATOs that I've looked at seem to confirm this by their CPL prerequisites for enrollment. Would it not be just more feasible to do the order like this:
1.) Complete ATPL Theory exams to satisfy the theoretical/written CPL requirements.
2.) Do the acclimation flights requested by the ATO till they are confident in my abilities to pass the skill test(s). Hopefully this shouldn't be more than a few hours.
3.) Pass the CPL skill test (on a single engine).
4.) Pass the MEP/IR skill test (on a multi-engine).