ftrplt
Genuine question, just how many VFR's are there above 10 000ft, let alone above 7 to 8000ft???
Probably not many. This does raise a few points:
1) The real danger is going to be when the jets are at and around 10-9,000FT and descending through the VFR maintaining 9,5000FT
2) Due to costs, what proportion of Metros etc. will be ‘encouraged’ to fly VFR through E (above 10,000FT) to save on charges?
3) It only takes one mid-air collision to ruin your day.
4) If the answer to your question is in fact ‘so few that the system is perfectly safe’ – then it begs the question – “why bother, if the benefit is there for so few aircraft?”
By the way, over Class D towers, Class E will extend to 4,500FT.