Uncle Ian,
Thank you for your post ... I was hoping that someone in a similar situation may own up to agreeing what nonsense the understanding of the requirements seems to be.
I have spoken with Pilot X who was very interested to hear snippets of your post - they are intending to log on to PPrune to read the thread in full and will most likely be in touch.
Thanks again to all respondees, and best of British to you fellows who are now "past it" (Campaign's words not mine !) - I would rather fly with the majority of you due to your wealth of experience than a restricted FI(H) with a handful of hours beating up the circuit in a Robbo.
As its the season of goodwill, I raise my glass to experience ... and trust the Parkinsons will allow you to 'clink' glasses with me.
Lets hope one day that common sense will prevail !
Viva la revolution
FO