northern boy, I think the mistake you are making is that you ask them to confirm the requirement. Once you start asking the CAA that sort of question they move quickly into an ass covering mode and just tel you no.
If you just chip up at the desk with the paperwork signed by the TRE for the revalidation they would probably accept it, that's what i did. I know it's a daft question but I assume you have tried FR? even if you offer to pay them the full wack for the revalidation it would be woth it. 55 new aircraft deliveries over the next few months and need lots of new skippers.
Good luck anyway.