(So long as you maintain a valid IR of some sort then you can reactivate the IR privileges on another type/class simply by passing a proficiency check. The 5/7 year rule only applies if you don't hold a valid IR.)
Could you please be kind enough to answer the following question? I'm sure you can see where I am coming from on this so I've kept it brief. Thank you.
If my UK/IR has expired, not by 5 years, but my South African IR is current, do I have 5/7 years from the date of the expiry of the SA/IR in terms of the UK 5/7 year rule?