I have asked the CAA to consider an exemption to the ANO for recreational aircraft, to allow the use of any suitable lifejacket or any approved EPIRB/ELT/PLB, not one specifically approved by the CAA/EASA. It is within the CAA's authority to grant such exemptions and is something that they have done in the past.
If I get anything useful back I will pass it on.
As it happens, I know the chap at the CAA pretty well, he's a dedicated light aircraft person, an all round good bloke and almost certainly feels as badly about this "gotcha" as we all do.
As far as I can gather, none of the bodies involved in the consultation, including the CAA, fully realised the implications of the pre-existing ANO requirement for CAA/EASA approval for all mandatory fit equipment.
Let's hope that common sense prevails, knowing the CAA chap I feel sure that he will make every effort to seek a sensible solution.
VP