Thanks Chopperpilot47, I just use a Class 3 in conjunction with my FAA Instructors ticket. The last time I had a Class 1 was in 1999. Since then I just get my AME to issue me FAA Class 3 every couple of years when he does my JAA Class 1, for which he charges me a few quid and that then costs me less than doing the Class 3 in the US by itself.
By the way have you seen the new 'credit card' type licenses the FAA issue? Just got my Instructors license back from having renewed it and it is very nice compared with the old paper one, I like the Wright Bros image on the back - shows some imagination for a change!