And don't forget there are some DE's who can do this ride. It doesn't have to be with the Feds.

Rick, I don't know if things have changed in 20 years (hehe), but I let my CFI lapse in the mid-80's. I went for a ride with a DE. He told me I couldn't get my MEI back unless I flew a twin. I kinda laughed when the ride was over and he referenced my old certificate to write out the temp. He wrote MEI on it. I kept my mouth shut...