overboard
I do think it is far to say that there are 'bad apples' everywhere and if you search a bit for it you will find plenty of mistakes having been made by pilots all over the world. To think that one licensed group of pilots are superior to the other is crap.
The issue in this thread was why do an experienced pilot need to sit 14 exams if he or she shows up with multiple typeratings and thousands of hours of experience. In my humble opinion there should be on subject test that covers JAR rules and regulations, a system oral on the airplane and a flight check.
To say that there are pilots on validation flying and not making the proper call outs is unacceptable but who is allowing them to continue? Don't your company have a standards or training department that nips that in the butt?
All the best to those that choose the 14 exams convertion route!