Redtail-
I agree with your thoughts exactly. I also agree with the fellow who said that you can get an A&P with a CrackerJack purchase. The truth hurts, don't it? Frankly, it's getting scary over here, with even 10-year mechanics that can't read a wiring diagram, and new mechanics walking around the ramp with a flashlight making the call on whether an airplane is good or not. You know there's a problem when even the big airline guys like Redtail work in an environment of ineptitude.
I'll admit, the UK licensing procedure sounds much better, but if the FAA aligned its process with that model, we'd experience even more of a mechanic shortage than we are now. Then again, it's nice to know that I'll have a job for a while!