"Are you saying you turned up with an FAA cert that had the restriction on the back stating "only valid when accompanied by UK license xxxxxxx" but that UK license number had changed to some other number and you were able to get the FSDO to accept that without having completed the Cert of Authenticity with the UK CAA?"
No. That concept was yours, not mine. Of course I had a letter from the FAA confirming they had got the CAA authentication.
The instructor was indeed $50 per hour.
Availability is excellent, with a 2.5 hour solo flight yesterday with no prebooking. Surprisingly no turbulence at all, despite the high temperatures, with good viz and no wind. The best conditions I've ever had in the area.