The FAA in the USA is very accommodating and helpful in converting a JAA European pilots license.
Shame on you Europe for the JAA system.......
True, but then on the other hand, it's almost impossible for a foreign national to work in the US. Your immigration system (INS) is about as bad as our licensing system (JAA) with a similar effect: keeping the foreign pilots out.
p.s. Don't be mistaken to think that the JAA makes it any easier for EU nationals to convert an FAA license.