Some good news: It DOES seem like they ARE trying to be more fair about this... From
Navigation Services - Lighting Systems Group - MALSR about the lights:
LED MALSR System - The Medium Approach Light System with Runway Alignment Indicator Lights (MALSR) system has been evaluated for replacement of the current incandescent lamps with LED lamps and it has been determined that it will be extremely beneficial to do this replacement. The FAA awarded a contract in June 2010 to conduct a feasibility study for implementing the LED lamps and, if found feasible, prototype LED lamps will be developed for environmental testing and flight evaluation before starting production. The feasibility study will also determine if the LED lamps will support Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS) operations.
A Civil Aviation Medical Institute (CAMI) study is also being conducted to determine if color deficient pilots can properly see the LED lamps.
The FAA conducted a CBA on the replacement of PAR-56 incandescent lamps with LED lamps for all MALSR threshold light applications. The study concluded that there was a considerable benefit in replacement lamps and the sensitivity analysis confirmed that the decision was sound. Lamp life and lamp costs were the two most influential factors. Estimated savings were significant and the costs of the change would be returned in only two years.
So it's good that it seems like they are trying to accommodate and be more sensible about this... Something like a standard color palate distinguishable to a higher percentage of humans and/or symbols instead of color only would make this whole color vision thing obsolete, one can dream I guess... The FAA actually already is one of the better organizations when it comes to color vision standards, but others are starting to realize they have been too strict, and they are basing more of the new standards on science, fairness, and actual safety rather than maintaining a group of financially motivated doctors arbitrary ivory tower. Either way, we are fortunate to have a 'real world test' option, and that should ALWAYS be an option... Some places don't even have that, I think most of Europe does not.
Also check out:
http://www.cvdpilots.com/ It's a group of people that are trying to form a voice on this issue... Apparently Brazil has fair standards too... Check it out, some good info there.