RE: Wavers?
Andy,
I remember when I got my waiver you had to take an AMA written test, show certification of attending turbine ground school and pass the flight test.
It's so much easier now and more relaxed, although there are still a few people that like to put students through the wringer.
My advice is to check with the person who is going to sign you off, if he has added a whole lot of other things to the waiver requirements, and you're unconfortable with them, you might want to look for someone else.
Like you said, none of this is rocket science.
BRG,
Jon