Just had the same response from my AME 2 weeks ago.
''You're an instuctor -- You're single pilot --so see you in six months-- oh and because my air transport multi-crew pilots are now visiting less frequently I'm putting up my fees to cover my costs'' Nearly 200 quid every six months inc CAA E.C.G costs is getting a bit steep!
I for one dont want to be flying illegally so its important to resolve this. If the official wordage says ''single pilot carrying passengers'' but the staff are verbally saying ''oh yes but that includes student pilots too'' where can I get a definitive answer?? That seems to be 2 parts of the same CAA giving conflicting advice.