After reading this and a letter in Flight International a week or two ago about the possible removal of the modular route (mandatory Integrated style training) that is being proposed I have come to this conclusion:
The JAA want to reduce the number of trainees, whilst at the same time ensuring that each trainee pays considerably more - read the major flight schools are accommodated and placated.
There are too many people, chasing too few Jobs with the money spent on training too widely dispersed. Airlines are having a nightmare sorting the wheat from the chaff. Too many influential corporations see an opportunity to simplify and reduce the costs at their end of the deal. The JAA is only too willing to help out as they absolutely need the support of those same corporations.
I fear the day of the self improver is coming to and end in the near future.