About the exams. I resat the JAR ATPLS to get a rating which due to the recession meant I really didnt use them, but they came in handy converting my hybrid CAA JAR CPL to a full JAR CPL. I have sat the old UK 14 CPL exams and the old CAA ATPL exams, which were really tough. The JAR ones in comparison are as total piece of p@@@. Not sure what EASA will be like, but I here they are not that bad.
10 years ago on PPRUNE there were loads of posts relating to CAA exams because they were so tough, you rarely see those posts anymore. With the question bank and experience an experienced pilot would breeze them, probably in about 6 - 8 weeks, I am now getting quite involved with groundschool so am willing to help anybody if they need.
Most of you experienced guys would probably get 60 -70% without study, its the odd tricky question they put in that makes it slightly difficult, you have no partial pass rules anymore either - Yes a lot of info you will never use, but a whole lot you will already know and hence will not find difficult.
It may not be as big a hurdle as you all feel - it really isnt anymore. Im no brain box either if your wondering just normal Joe Blogs with a few O levels.
And I am really willing to help anybody. I am an Independent Financial Adviser by trade and have just had to take a load more exams to stay doing what I have been doing for 20 years, so I understand the emotion of doing exams to keep doing what you have been doing - hence I have to let pursuit of flying anything larger go, but Im remaining a GA Instructor Examiner and Ground Instructor, part time. So PM me if you wish for a chat.