The only stupid part comes from the UK CAA's own cock-up regarding revalidation signatures.
The JAA allows you to have your licence signed if you elect to revalidate 'by experience' as soon as you have the 12 hours including 1 hr training flight in the second 12 month period. You may only revlaidate by LPC (not the whole PPL Skill Test) in the final 3 months of the period.
However, someone at the CAA mis-read it. And won't admit to it. So even if you flew all 12 hours including 1 hr training flight in the first week of your second 12 month period, you'd have to wait another 9 months just for a signature - ridiculous and caused totally by a CAA cock-up.
EIPCW, these days Examiners may not sign retrospectively. No good reason, I agree. But them's the €uro-rules, I'm afraid.
You will need to renew your SEP Class Rating by flying a Licensing Skill Test with an Examiner. Again, not the complete PPL Skill Test and it shouldn't take more than an hour. Your SEP Class Rating will then be valid for a further 24 months from the date of the LST.