re: CAA ATPL Fees?
It is criminally high, and the justification for it (direct from the mouth of the CAA's top examiner) is:
"yes, it's expensive. But then after you're qualified, there is very little expense".
So... when you least want the expense, it's there. But then when you've qualified and you're (hopefully) earning, it's not expensive at all. Logical really!
The way PPL examining works is that examiners pay the CAA about £6000 to be registered. This they recoup from the PPL tests they do, and charge a fee for testing that they themselves set (usually £150-£200). Different kettle of fish.
PS if my info is wrong please feel free to correct me... Keygrip?