Yeap that is my understanding - by limiting the validation they are effectively defining residence for themselves. In other words we will accept that you could be a temporary visitor for up to a year - beyond that it looks a bit dubious to us
Yes France has been doing this for years and I also understand so have a number of other member states. My mate got a validation while he was stationed in Germany.
The whole thing is pathetic. They will hand out validations for short periods which by definition means they are happy that you are capable of excercising the priviliges but that the more you fly in European airspace clearly the less capable you become.
European protectionism at its best - safety, humbug.