SE IR(A) to ME IR(A)? A cheaper route?

[Simon150]

I have searched the forums for this so if its already been covered (which I am sure it has) maybe I can be pointed in the right direction.

I am about to embark on an ME course prior to starting the ME IR(A). However, it has been pointed out to me by somebody who should know, that the cheaper route is an SE IR(A) followed by a conversion to an ME IR (A) which according to LASORS requires only 3 hours in an FNPT II plus 2 hours in an ME is far as I can make out (plus the ME Class Rating/approved course).

This sounds like a much cheaper way of doing things although I haven't done the sums, and I have never heard of anybody (certainly nobody I know) doing it this way.

My question is simply what am I missing? If this is cheaper, whats the downside?

In fact, having searched the net, I am stuggling to even find anybody who offers an SE IR(A) - only the ME variant!

thanks in advance