Tigerbatics,
It's not pedantic nonsense to comply with the ANO/ANR, to plan properly, to use Cap 413 as an RT standard and comply with local airfield procedures etc.
One of the real benefits of JAR was the introduction of the "dual flight with an instructor", often exposing just how bad and casual a pilot could become without falling out of the air. And how long has JAR been with us? And yes ,there are still pilots that don't understand the renewal/ revalidation rules. Finally, is it pedantic to read AIC's, attend CAA safety evenings, carry out accurate W/Balance and field performance calculations? Is it sensible to give a call to a nearby airfield before carrying out a high energy aero session?