One should not confuse the qualification of a WPS with the qualification of a welder when working to any code.
While the welder is qualified when he/she welds the test coupon for the PQR, it does require the test coupon to pass visual, volumetric NDE, guided bend tests, as well as the reduced section tensile tests. So, my position would be that if the welder wants to qualify by qualifying and passing all the requisites tests needed, go for it. If not, then the standard AWS performance test is necessary.
The conditions stipulated by D1.1 clearly are not the same as those required by ASME Section IX. While AWS D1.1 enjoys the flexibility of utilizing both WPSs that are prequalified and exempt from testing as well as WPSs qualified by testing, ASME has opted to follow a different route. With ASME, each contractor must (with exceptions taken for SWPSs and B31.9) qualify their WPSs and the welders must be tested by the contractor (with some exceptions). Where AWS permits the Engineer to accept previous performance qualification, ASME is less inclined to do so. Different codes, different philosophies, and different requirements and limitations apply. Some people have a difficult time reconciling the differences. I try not to rationalize the differences and simply change hats when moving from one code to the next.
Working with different codes is like trying to preach to different congregations consisting of different religions. While they believe in similar fundamentals, it is in the details where there are great differences. Reconciling those differences is an exercise that only leads to frustration.
Best regards - Al