Pie - the 'rather more unpleasant thing' is only a simple renewal proficiency check - NOT a PPL Skill Test. We don't sign logbooks anymore either. If the licence has lapsed by less than 5 years, we Examiners can do the renewal proficiency check (I charge £65 for this) and sign up the applicant immediately (if he passes and has a current medical etc) and he may fly as P1C immediately. But if it's more than 5 years then, once appropriate refresher training has been completed the proficiency check will still be flown but the paperwork must be sent off to the CAA and an additional 'Rating Variation Fee' must be paid - and the applicant may not fly as P1C until he receives his renewed rating back from the Belgrano.
PS - Any references to the male gender in the foregoing text apply equally to those of other or uncertain gender and are not intended as discriminatory comment.