That's because many regulating authorities around the world need a full ATPL issued from the pilot's original licencing authority to validate it for the issue of their own licence.
Which is why I was quite relieved to have been one of the last to have done the old-CAA style exams i.e.
all the exams. It was a long slog but it saved heartache later!
In fact, when we did our licences Dan, I think the only thing we
didn't have to do as ex-military multi-engine fixed-wing pilots was a GFT! Having to rapidly learn to fly a Seneca II, just to get a class rating to open the license, was a bit of a pain too!
Don't dwell on it folks - get an ATPL underway,
now! And you have all heard it before - Bristol Groundschool is a damn fine institution for getting you on the way!