Transitional nightmare!
A very valid argument to be made here RooDog and a debate that is had around the smoko table at least weekly!
Currently I am stuck smack bang in the middle, I have amassed more than enough SOE over the years and have done a few CAR31 airframe/engine basics, I have seen each end of the argument, working in both Part145 MRO's and CAR30 GA shops. Personally I love GA and that is where I wish to stay, unfortunately at the moment nobody can give me a clear answer on what is the clearest pathway to take in regards to attaining a license outcome due to the fact I am not pursuing a type rated license.
Our regulator cannot give me a clear and definitive answer on the best course of action and continually recommend I RPL a diploma of aviation with a Part147 trainer but still cannot tell me what class/type of license I will attain. Certain 147's will not even offer advice until you agree to foot the 2K RPL fee.
There has been rumours of a new (B3) small aircraft license, which apparently will give the holder the same entitlements as the old system - one can only hope.
In the meantime, I have decided to finish all my basics for 1/2/5/6/10/19 AF and 1/2/3 + PT6 engine.
With the extension until 2019, this seems to Be the most economical and straight forward decision. The way I see it, if I have full SOE and all exams completed, they have to issue me with some form of license!
In my view GA wasn't broken, why try to fix it!
Cheers.