ok, well i called the regulations number and had a bit of a conversation.
while i know getting an EIN isn't difficult or time consuming, my concern is whether it will be used against me tax wise in the future. turns out, according to the supervisor in regulations, it won't. IRS is aware that individuals will need to do this for exporting vehicles, and supposidely are working to "change the language" about EINs to reflect this new regulation. also, apparently it also has to do with them not being able to use social security numbers to indentify exporters.
I was told that if we know someone who is already registered with the AES system, then we can have them initiate the export and be identified as the USPPI, which i may be able to do. i will certainly keep you updated about what i decide to do, and whether i need your answers to the quiz!
i agree it seems rather ridiculous and another piece of beaurocratic bs to navigate!