This is a timely question indeed. I worked with the Nashville FSDO to get my application signed, and they were very helpful and easy to deal with. I had to send build logs (I'm a digital pack rat which helps), and meet the FAA examiner for a brief interview to get the signature.
I used Gleim online for my written tests, and took all 3 at once with no problems.
For the oral and practical, I went to the 3 day Bakers school in Nashville, then used one of the DMEs they work with regularly. I seriously doubt there's an easier, less stressful way to get through the O&P. In fact, I just passed my oral and practical about 6 hours ago
As Paul said, the FAA assigned our questions, and practical tasks. There were 4 of us testing this morning, and I was the only one who got assigned the "demonstrate starting an aircraft engine" task. The funny thing is that I'm the only pilot of the group, so I got lucky on that one. It all went pretty quickly, and after melting some ice from the truck, I managed to escape the freezing rain just in time.
Cheers,
Rusty
PS- Thanks Paul for your earlier encouragement!