Problem is that very few is lobbying in order to make a change of the JAR examination system. As a candidate for the exams it's easier to just do the exams. I highly doubt that authority employees and groundschools are doing too much to make a change.
I like the FAA's focused 'practical application' approach and, except in academic study
I think the crux of the matter is that JAA want to make it academic. Causes that lie behind the academic studying needed might be to help bleaching the pilot's collar. In order to pass the JAR exams you can't go directly from kindergarten to flight school.