Clearedtoreenter,
You're certainly correct - in Australia all CVD's have the ability to fly up to CPL level with no problems - the problem is at ATPL level. There are still quite a number of pilots (myself included) who hold a full ATPL, yet our medicals are still restricted up to & including CPL due to failure to pass the signal gun test. I've done this test myself & scored 7/8 lights correct - yet this was still classed as a fail and so the restriction remains.
Personally, I've now been flying for over 14 years with over 5000 hrs & have never seen a signal gun in real life. I currently fly as a regional airline FO and have no problems using PAPI or flying at night and pass regular simulator checks to the same standard as colour normals. However, due to the CPL restriction, I am prevented from obtaining a command despite the fact I hold an ATPL. There are a quite number of other very experienced pilots here in Oz too, all in similar situations and all with exemplary safety records who face the same dilemma. These are the ones Arthur Pape is again passionately working with to assist this time around, as well as our friends overseas too.