The PC is officially not a full skill test,
The confusion is between a Licence Issue Skill Test (only ever completed once) and a Proificiency Check used for revalidation and renewal which is shorter than the Issue Test.
(Some complications with SLMG which I don't understand...)
No complication, SEP and TMG hours are interchangeable not SLMG!
f you cannot afford to do the 12 hours do a couple of hours with an instructor (you need to at least one anyway)
No you do not, all that is required is a PC with an Examiner!