It is therefore in a pilot's best interest to consider conversion of a UK national licence which has a JAR-FCL equivalent to the JAR-FCL equivalent prior to the introduction of new requirements under EU Regulation
Well no, actually.
It
might be "in a pilot's best interest", but it might not.
You gain possible maybe ease of transition to new European licence at an unknown date, but you immediately lose
(a) the ability to fly in worse weather under a CAA PPL than a JAR PPL (not that I'd use it, but it's there)
(b) the cost and hassle of renewing licences every five years.
I simply don't have enough information at this point to be able to work out whether or not it's in my best interest to convert.
For example if the conversion process ends up being a zero cost paperwork exercise performed automatically by the CAA why would I want to do anything now?
may have to meet additional requirements
Or may not. Or if the additional requirements are simply demonstrating radio navigation ability the IMCr should count. Or who knows what else.
Sounds to me like FUD trying to con people into the pay-every-five-years regime.