Charley,
Well written. You have the master plan. You also appear to have the right attitude.
My tuppence is this: If you trained in the US, UK or Timbucktoo it should not make MUCH difference. I realise different countries have different methods, but I know people who learnt to drive on the Continent - and I consider them to be bloody madmen! But others are excellent, so I believe the theory of one country versus another has to be flawed.
The rules and regulations may differ slightly, and R/T & Weather may be different, but unless you are planning on flying in one spot all your life, you will need to adapt to numerous differences.
As long as you retain a degree of common sense, read all that you can and think about what you are doing I cannot imagine you will go wrong.
Hope this does not read as condescending (it is not intended). Others with more knowledge and experience than I will offer better advice I am sure.
Good luck, and most importantly - enjoy!
(p.s. I am NOT an FI - but someday.....)