Helicopter-Redeye,
Just noticed your post above however what your saying as follows is not correct for fixed wing:-
"You need the CPL issued in 3yrs (and as noted the exam credits are good for 3yrs to complete the IR as well).
No CPL in 3yrs from date of last exam - do them all again.
No IR in 3 yrs from date of last exam - take the IR designated papers again."
I have expired ATPL's and a CPL but no I/R, if I were to just sit the I/R exams I would indeed be able to gain a CPL/IR but according to the CAA I would not have a 'Frozen ATPL'. Without a 'Frozen ATPL' I cannot add a Multi-crew type to my license so would be forever restricted to single pilot types and air taxi work etc.
So, if you have a CPL but no I/R and expired ATPL theory, the only way you can gain a Fz ATPL is to sit 13 exams again (you get VFR comms credited for having a CPL!), trust me on this as I'm in the middle of doing my ATPL's for the second time around and have all the above confirmed in writing from the CAA.
Think its different for you rotary chaps however...