"Whereas in the US they barely know what an NDB is, let alone how to use one"
Dont know where this information is from, but on every single ME-IR I have heard about at our FAA school, NDB app have been a part of it. Mostly as partial panel though (No DG and AH).
NDB holds are done differently. Agreed....But using the gate dosent make it harder, just different.
On a JAA ME-IR you almost know your entire check ride before hand... ie you can look over your app, you plan and so on.... You dont do that on the FAA ride. You get your app 5 min before, and you better be quick and precise in setting it up.
I agree that the RT is more standard....good and bad... You need to learn it, but ATC will also give you more standardized answers.
As I see it... An ILS is an ILS. A NDB is a NDB and a VOR is a VOR.
Buy the way... What most people fail the FAA ME-IR on, is the partial panel NDB and Localizer back course single engine.
Just some thoughts.... Not saying that anyone is better, just different