Hmmm, I'll try Beags' route.
I've been issued a Temporary Airman's Certificate before in LA when doing a bunch of flying from Long Beach. I'll be an hr or so from San Diego so there should be an FSDO in that city I'd have thought. US medical is a pain but what I spend there will be saved in the ability to travel further afield at weekends. I've done quite a bit of flying around the western states and as far as Texas so I'm relatively happy with their FAA rules and testing procedures.
Main thing is that it would appear that my Skills test is quicker than I thought. The SMO at EGUB can do CAA Class 2s (£110!!) so I've got that squared. Need to book the test now at the club, I'll deal with the bureaucracy after!
Thanks for the steers.
SP