Its a very grey area , I cannot get a JAA 1st class but have been flying commercial in the EU for many years now with the same problem you have. I had to do the tower lantern test in the USA to get a clearance . If you are in the UK you can take a trip doewn to Gatwick they have two different types of lanterns give that a shot, I could not pass either one of them . All the best to you , I hope it works out. Check the forums here this topic has been on the web for ages