I like to do my research!
Mind you, I've finally got a JAA class one (as I figured that was a subtle dig at me!) after all these years so I suppose I ought to just get stuck into the conversion.
Interestingly I heard through the grapevine that the intention is to make the ATPL exams available via computer style testing (similar to the FAA style of computer testing) at the actual training schools, allowing students to sit them as soon as the training provider deems them ready. That would certainly make life a little easier if it happens.
Not everything changes for the worse, it just seems that way at times.