triadic
Thanks. It is a pity that we have to 'guess' the answers to these very basic operational questions. It would certainly assist in safe application of the system if everyone had a common and easily verifiable understanding of these basic concepts.
Some comments on your answers.
1) OK, but why do I have to transmit area QNH to every IFR aircraft, when you guys don't want it 99% of the time? Surely, if you want it, you will ask for it and I will provide that service, rather than have you ignore it the other thousand times. Let's have this changed and reduce unnecessary transmissions.
2) and 3) OK, then let's make the rules nice and simple, e.g.: "VFR aircraft are not required to use radio in Class G and E airspace." (personally, I think we could do better - i.e. safer - without any added cost, but that's just me.)
4) and 5) Then why publish an "IFR pick up" procedure? Why not just change the one rule that says that IFR-capable RPT must operate IFR, and allow anyone who wants to operate VFR to do so? Why not keep it simple and affordable, and leave the decision making where it belongs: with the pilot in command.
As a controller, I am quite happy to provide the services that you want. If you want to operate your DHC8 VFR in E, then that is your choice. If you want to operate your C182 IFR, then do so. Why make it any more complicated than that?
PS: What does "eo&e" mean?
Dick Smith or Open Mic
Any comments, and specifically, are you able to provide the definitive and official answers to the original questions?