Reducing things to 18 months is going to be hard for most to get a little experience before they go home. I certainly dont feel they are hurting the U.S. Pilot market with two years. Besides all I have met were good honest working folks, unlike a lot of those crossing the border.. Note I said unllike a lot, not all.
Anyway the U.S. Government works pretty much under a motto, that "if anyone can screw things up, we can ....and it will cost you more when we do." Shortened to "If it Works, We will Fix it."