Pace, no offence but you really should make an effort to and read this stuff as it clearly effects you.
When EASA take over there is a process whereby non EASA licence holders will be able to seek a 1 year validation. This validation can be further extended by the NAA to allow further opportunity to complete conversion training.
Non EEC residents don't have to validate as they are not resident!! If you choose to become an EEC resident then like it or not you become subject to the applicable rules and they have rightly or wrongly decided that those they have jurisdiction over will abide by a set of standards.
Apparently this is how democracy works....... I don't like it any better than you, just playing devils advocate.