I can't see why JARland accuse the US of protectionism:
Simple. Because the US would never offer reciprocal recognition of a JAA licence.
who were sponsored for work visas by the flight schools.
Well of course they were, it is simply a device to make money by attracting foreign students.
I have flown with a ton of Europeans there
...all of whom have the right to live and work there.
Lets be clear regarding protectionism and pilot jobs...the licensing laws in JAA land are a form of protectionism.
ALL licensing laws are a form of protectionism! It is the level to which each authority will recognise other qualifications, that matters. In this case, the Irish are alllowing US licence holders an immediate recognition of their licence, simply because it is economically expedient for an airline based there. Now, does the US do that? Nope. Not a chance in hell of that happening.
The Irish are simply a flag of convenience.