Having changed the old paper one for a plastic one 3 years ago I can assure you you have to go through all the hoops; it was a complete farce for someone who holds a valid licence; even the guy at the FSDO said as much.
If you are operating Internationally, then the licence on which its based will require the English endorsement; if you meet the ICAO requirement by having that, why would you want to add it to the FAA licence as well? Double Dutch perhaps but Double English makes no sense!