Jet Simulation,
The problem with renewing the MEP every other year in the a/c whilst renewing the MEIR, is that the student needs to undergo MEP refresher training ( as it's been longer than a year if he/she renewed in the sim the previous year). I thinks it's 4 sessions.
So how is the examiner going to be able to sign off a pilots MEP (lapsed and ATO certificate needed) together with the MEIR (still in date and no ATO certificate needed)? This EASA thing is a mess!!