Quite
A pragmatic NAA would say that it would save time and effort and b*gger*ation factor if all UK ICAO-compliant licences automatically transferred. To do that they need to get EASA to agree.
Instead, from what I see the CAA don't seem to be arguing the matter at EASA, just asking for an extension (and money for more staff) to go through the transition for 15,000 licences.
They want us to make their life easier by forking out £180 to transition to the JAR licence which will become the EASA PPL. If we do then they get around £2.7m in fees.
So the choice - do nothing and aim to get £2.7m in revenue or argue with the EASA hydra and gain the respect of UK-PPLs for no money.
Hmm. Difficult choice