i had a similar experience. sent off for the licence, but my cfi hadn't signed the cheque. i received my licence after 10 weeks wait. no apologies or anything. added to that i e-mailed the CAA's licensing department and politely asked what was going on. they couldn't be bothered to reply. they regulate themselves so there is no method of complaint. i do wonder if the caa is upholding its responsibility for safety by grounding a newly qualified ppl for that time. luckily no mishaps as yet, but i can see it having ill effects on anybody who quickly gets out of practice.