Mort
Firstly, the only grace you will get when converting is for the flying training. No way to get past the theory exams.
Foreigner
I personally think the JAA system of 14 exams for the JAA ATPL is a load of
Said it before and I will say it again.
Why wouldn't a pilot who has trained overseas, spent his hard earned cash, trained very hard and passed the flight (and theory) requirements try to find the easy route? I think every pilot
should try and do the same. Why pay for something twice when you don't have to.
Anywhere else in the world (other than the JAA) will recognise ICAO qualifications and have a "bridging" system.