I really do not understand why this stirs up so much emotion and ego. The LAA coaching scheme is a service by members for members. The requirement is to have a high number of SEP hours and those hours need to be from a permit background. If the scheme gets two applicants one, with considerable experience on the LAA scheme and has all the qualifications and another who has the same qualifications but not the experience of the LAA types, who is going to get chosen? There is only a need for a finite number if coaches so they can choose who they want. It's not difficult to comprehend.
Flying microlights, engineering on a 146 or teaching on spam cans is great experience but not the specific experience the coaching scheme is looking for. Why get so worked up about it? If someone is desperate to be a coach then go out and meet the requirements and apply.
I have been a coach for several years and have found it to be well run and well supported with training conducted and regulated to a high standard.
I will say now, there is no money it, your basic expenses are covered, after that it's about putting something into the organisation and helping keep grass roots flying cheaper.