Always intrigues me when I read this type of post, from Aus, NZ or the UK. Why make it all so complicated? Is it to make the regulators more powerful? Give them more money? Keep the flight instructors employed?
In the US, any SEL rating covers all single engine land airplanes below 5700Kg except for pure jets. Simple. End of story. Any MEL rating covers all multi engine land below 5700 Kg. Any SES covers all single engine sea etc etc. All jets (except turbo propeller) and airplanes above 5700 Kg require a type rating.
Only one instrument rating, can be maintained by the pilot simply by using it. No night rating, all pilots Private or above have an automatic approval to fly at night. Forever.
Sign offs required by a flight instructor in the logbook, no record sent to the FAA, for complex, high performance, tailwheel, glider tow, high altitude pressurized, and flight review.
Works better than the system used in Aus, etc, as proven by the accident record.
If an owner or if the insurance company wants more time from a particular pilot, they will specify what is needed.
Why do you guys put up with this mindless crap?