Indeed RVR, utter madness....
If as they claim all this is in the interest of safety then what about the following case (which I suspect is fairly common):-
Pilots A & B
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Pilot A does his ATPL theory, CPL & IR but then doesn't fly again for 6 years.
Pilot B does his ATPL theory, CPL & FI, instructs virtually every day and 6 years later has over 1500hours TT.
Who would have the best theoretical knowledge after the 6 years? According the CAA it would be Pilot A even though he's not been near an aircraft for 6 years. Is he the 'Safer' of the 2 pilots ? I think not !!
If both these chaps then decide they want to go fly for an airline, Pilot A has to do a few hours flying to refresh his IR and bingo he's good to go.
Pilot B however now has expired ATPL theory and is deemed to have a lower lever of knowledge than Pilot A who hasn't flown for 6 years, despite Pilot B flying every day.
Pilot B is therefore forced once again to spend 6-9 months of his life re-sitting all 14 ATPL exams before he can do his IR and go fly multicrew.
Make sense ? It does if you live in JAR land........