For example the 3rd country question, I am assuming refers to FAA and equivalent type aircraft?
Well - I haven't had time to search for definitions just now, but I read this to mean that a 3rd country aircraft or 3rd country pilots would be those registered or licensed in coutries outside EASA (EASA may include EC treaty states, not just EU, but obviously not USA).
therefore yes, I read 3rd country as 'N' reg, and FAA licences when it is used. I assume they use '3rd' as they are thinking that 1st and 2nd would be from one EASA country in another EASA country, leaving countries such as the USA being '3rd countries'.
Also, the other term is STAKEHOLDER - this means YOU! (anyone potentially effected by EASA)
(GK430 and 'rubber stamps') - I do know EXACTLY what you mean, it is a worry and of course discussion is somewhat directed by the questions they have asked, but on certain 'fronts' (eg; recreational flying and medicals) they
might really be looking for an excuse NOT to get involved and may want to show 'x' % of feedback agreed - lesson learned from JAR perhaps which I think was an acknowledged mistake to cover recreational stuff, hence our NPPL soon after.