Io - i agree with everything in your last post except the last line.
I guess it is true that europe is unable to disassociate itself from the plethora of each individual states interest and in that much i agree with you but whilst our discussion is that of idealists it is at the heart of europe and easa to behave as if we were one nation in exactly the same way as australia or america and in that much easa has the same opportunity - sadly an opportunity they have chosen not to take.
It is a significant point because if you are correct it would suggest easa has failed at the most fundamental level - namely to set aside national interests.
However i dont think easa is guilty of the crime you suggest - i think it is much simpler - they dont want to be seen tainted with the american brush, they dont want to bow to americas perceived dominance in aviation, and so far as australia is concerned they dont want to be seen to be copying some one elses model.
In short we are going to do things our way and we are not getting into bed with the yanks.