One would have hoped that in this day & age with EASA & FAA spreading its influence of standards over the whole world
May I beg to differ. EASA doesn't even have influence within the EU. Any national regulatory authority can basically do what that want (and do so). Just look at the 'standards' of Greece and Lithuania to name just two to see what I'm angling at. The LBA are not exactly squeaky clean either.
Unless the 'majors' really start exerting their influence then god help us.