Well they are right on one thing - I didnt embrace the JAA system in terms of my own licence (UK CPL/IR frozen ATPL).
Why? Because it meant keeping my IR valid all the time - at greater expense. I wasn't needing the privileges of an IR and the non-expiring IMC privileges built into the UK CPL allowed me to be IFR in Class D - the only thing I couldn't do was IFR abroad or in airways. Big deal as an FI/FE at PPL level...
So I don't feel I brought it upon myself...although I am now taking the plunge with the JAR licence conversion.
Although the best laugh is that the UK CAA are now going to re-introduce the UK CPL (lifetime issued) so pilots can do their stuff on annex 2 aircraft!
As an examiner this situation is getting out of hand....I now have to deal with UK licences (old), UK NPPL, JAR FCL licences, and soon to add to the mix EASA licences and UK licences (new). argh.