Smokin
I agree with much of what you say, but what you are saying about the CAA not adding a SE IR(H) to a licence is factually incorrect.
TT
That's not what they told me when I called (around Aug2007).
I couldn't believe it when they said that. Even when pointing out that as signatories to JAA, they have already agreed to mutually recognise an SEIR(H) from another country (when asked if I went abroad to do the course). The guy told me it doesn't matter. They will still not put it on my licence. A big, fat, no..
I would love to hear something 'official' from the CAA saying that this is not true. But if you want the 'reward' of actually having the IR(H) on your licence, do a Multi engined one.