English, sorry if I sounded heavy handed there (which I did when I read it again).
Fully agree, there are schools that do teach FAA then arrange a conversion test - but NOT the ones in the list (at the moment).
I also fully agree with you about doing the FAA ticket instead of the JAA...EASA one.
With regard to pricing, to be fair to the schools, they set their stalls based on the costs of operating the aircraft in the USA. Then they apply for JAA approval and, having to pay for the inspection and approval, suddenly get hit with potentially thousands of dollars and need to get it back every year. They quite rightly (?) decide that FAA students should not have to pay extra (as they will go elsewhere for cheaper) so the costs have to be borne by the JAA department.
Some places do, however, milk the situation, too. But that is just your average thief at work. You'll never get around your average con-man, especially in this industry.
I also owe you an apology, I just checked your statement that a JAA skill test can be taken at any establishment....you're right, it can. I was swinging the barrels around to shoot you down in flames.
Now, the next question is "What will EASA do to it all?".