If the baseline qualifications for becoming a pilot never changed, so that no-one was disadvantaged by that change, then there would be no licences at all. Wilbur and Orville had none, did they? As aviation has developed, both technologically and politically, the licensing requirements have changed to match. Each change has had a deadline, and inevitably some have failed to make that deadline. The authorities concerned (whether CAA, JAA, FAA or whoever) give what they consider to be sufficient notice of that change and expect you to read what they say and do what is necessary to either pass the old system before the change, or enrol under the new system so that the change deadline doesn't affect you. It's a judgement call that only an individual can make according to their own ability, knowledge and confidence. If you call it wrong, well, them's the breaks. You knew what the stakes were.
Any change in a deadine is unfair to those who managed to organise themselves to achieve the original deadline. It is also unfair to those who have been 'caught out' (ie, were unprepared for) previous deadlines. Both groups would have a far more legitimate claim against the authorities than those who have failed by the latest deadline.
The bottom line is, you knew the rules. You didn't make it. You now have to do what you always knew you would if this happened. That is not unfair, but it is hard. Bite the bullet and get on with it!
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