After some superb help from the folk on this and the UK uras forum, plus a
load of help off-forum, I've followed the British Gliding Association (BGA)
verification route instead of the EASA licence and it all seems to be
coming together. I do struggle to understand the value of holding an EASA
SPL, but the value of these forums (when used for good) is huge.

The FAA have been truly awesome. Their compliance specialists and
foreign-verification team have been responsive, speedy, helpful and patient
with my phonecalls. Would that I could say the same about the UK CAA!
Hopefully I'll have the right papers early next week (thanks also to a
quick turnaround from Lizzie at the BGA).

I'm grateful to everyone who's chipped in on the topic. The list is long
but particularly Paul Jessop in the UK (Charlie's Dad), Uncle Hank,
Franklin Burbank at Citrus Soaring, and most especially Andrew Ainslie. All
very, very much appreciated. Anyone who wants some advice and tips on the
path I've followed please feel free to send me a private message and I'll
be delighted to explain/help.

Jon