I am surprised they can just move the goal posts like that to be honest...surely if you embarked on a course of training with set of provisos attached and which you plan for ie time frames etc, its a bit rich to turn around and say sorry, suck it up.
Can't they just say, if you commenced your training on the old system ie three years for exams, no flight test for ATPL, or extra IF hours for a CPL H etc etc, you finish on the old system...if you commence your training after Dec 6 you fall under the new system...I am a simple man so maybe I am looking at things too simply!
I am also in a similiar boat to what is also mentioned, live overseas and do an exam on the odd occasion that I am home...have to ramp it up a notch or two...and spend some money on a flight or two home.....I agree with the above comments reference overseas locations for exams
Cheers