SASless, perhaps I did not convey my points clearly - I make a distinction between
1. The licencing standards; and
2. Fair treatment of all pilots
If the JAA decide to change the rules, they apply to everyone. If the JAA decide to do nothing, they should still apply to everyone. Any disparate treatment would be manifestly unfair IMHO.
To answer your question, I guess that places me on the side of equity which overrides any belief that a licence issued in good faith abroad has unilateral applicability (perfectly valid belief, particularly in view of ICAO, but in this case overriden).
I do not have any evidence as to the motives for the JAA legislation, therefore I refrain from speculating on them.
To requote myself, I only argue for the consistency of licencing, not the standard.
However, from what little I have seen, EASA is no saviour.
Heliport
I never made any comment as to whether they were valid hours for your logbook. I asked if CASA would issue a type rating on the basis of them in the absence of any pre-existing type rating.
To answer your question, yes I believe you should be able to log hours in the manner prescribed by your licencing authority when flying in their airspace and in an aircraft of same registration.
Mortennb, if you're strapped for cash save it for your JAA conversion. It will be of more use to you than 10 hours in a B206 if you know you will be returning to Europe. If by the time you return to Europe there is mutual recognition, then put it towards an FI course or take a holiday to Van Nuys, Norfolk or Grand Rapids at that point.