What is a pilot who is "ATPL ready", with all their subjects complete, supposed to do for those types that there isnt currently an approved testing officer for? For example the Saab 340 - it's my understanding that there simply isnt anyone qualified within Australia to conduct the flight test on a Saab 340, regardless of how many simulator instructors or checkers are around. That is CASA's doing. How many other types are out there that just dont have approved testing officers able to issue an ATPL, stranding those pilots? Get an endorsement on another aircraft type that is presently useless to them? Its only $10,000 to $30,000, sure, why not.
And if you have CPL + theory passes, you now dont meet the requirements for a lot of operators. From a legal point of view, yes, you only NEED the ATPL for a command. From a practical point of view for many jobs - no ATPL, no chance of even getting to an interview.
The whole issue of no longer having a current instrument rating is another mess that disadvantages a lot of people for no real gain. Is an old-style instrument rating renewed in a 737 simulator really worth less than an instrument rating renewed in a Seminole out of Maroochydore?