Agree, the CAA fees are a total rip off. Not true that the UK has the only modular courses, although perhaps other programs are not offering the same quality products as Bristol and Oxford are.
I have been looking around for the cheapest way to convert my FAA ATP into a JAA ATPL and it seems that the UK route is the best way to go. Spain, for istance, requires to attend a residential course...too long and expensive.
If anyone knows of other places where one can convert a license at a cheaper cost, please post it here.
Cheers.