Yes. The CAA are correct.
EASA left it to national authorities how to deal with revalidations by experience,
and the UK CAA chose to give a blanket authorisation to all holders of UK issued EASA Examiner Authorisations to complete the administrative action (signing your licence, and sending in the form) to revalidate your SEP by experience.
Other, non UK EASA Examiners can request authorisation on a 'one off' basis to do this, but I don't know of any who have, yet.
Any EASA examiner can perform the Renewal Flight Test but they must complete the National Standardisation procedure first.
I know it's frustrating, but it's better than some National Authorities who have you send your licence to them to be signed, and pay a whacking fee!
MJ
