Bosher, really. I should think that with your experience that you would have no difficulty passing the exams, so what is the problem - remember we're talking about safety through knowledge, and people's lives depend on it here.
It has been stated before: there is one rule for all, and there are no short cuts to the System. Sorry.
As for the ex mil types - they should not be insulted by being asked to take these exams at all!
PS Thanks to those chaps who put in all that Sterling work to give us Skywatch. If but one life can be saved, then it's all worthwhile.