Beagle, I too was one of those sad individuals in Air Tragic at BZN. Like Prole, I remember more than the odd conversation where you extolled the virtues of the BZN CTR, only to reverse the arguement when you were being held at Burford in a Club PA28.
However, you do make some interesting and valid points. The key aspect is understanding the rules and regulations (both aircrew and air traffikers). Unfortunately, we in the UK hang our hats on type of service and not Flight Rules. As long as we play RAS/RIS/FIS, we will always confuse each other and, ultimately, be less effective.
Myself, if you're VFR within Class D airspace and visual with the IFR traffic, then fill your boots. If you're not visual with the IFR traffic, I'm sorry but that's not good enough and I will endeavour to provide some sort of separation regardless of the defined responsibilities. Otherwise, we will ultimately have the another TSA 727 meeting a Cessna as happened in the mid 70s.
FlY Safely
PS. I would still close BZN; it's a dump.