So what would you like the CAA to do? Extend the deadline indefinately until everyone who ever had a trial lesson prior to 1999 has the chance to complete their training under the old rules? It's not practical. Aviation is a fast moving business and you can't expect them to not change the rules simply because you're not in the loop anymore.
For your information, I had started studying for the CAA ATPL's, and got about a third of the way through the distance learning course. Due to other commitments I could not continue and subsequently decided not to carry on with the CAA exams, because I did not want to be struggling to meet the deadline. However I accept that due to the massive changes taking place, I cannot expect to have my own way.