NAS - a really safe airspace system ….
VFR pilots can use "see and avoid" … except when it's traffic closing from above and behind;
IFR pilots can rely on their last line of defence - TCAS … unless the VFR's transponder is not working properly; and
ATC needn't worry about standards … they can just use discretion and initiative as per MATS 4.1.1.3.
"… using discretion and initiative in any particular circumstance where these procedures appear to be in conflict with the requirement to promote the SAFE conduct of flight."
Of course … if anything happens … controllers will be damned if they do … damned if they don't …
Use initiative and discretion …
- They miss … you didn’t need to do anything, that's the procedure.
- They hit … why didn't you do something?