Triadic, I like your comments, but...
but only if the self interest, ego and politics is kept OUT of the process
When pigs fly! The aviation industry is so full of self interest, huge egos, politics and dreamers that there seems to be little room for anything else at times.
I think I know what you meant though. When consideration is given to the self interest, ego and politics of other stakeholders and balanced decisions made accordingly to benefit all without overly constraining any one particular group, will airspace change be effective.
I might be giving the minister too much credit, but I like to think that he had a strong inkling a certain person would hang himself (or at least lose the last vestiges of his credibility) if given enough rope, and the minister gave out plenty.
I imagine there are not a few people diving for cover and working hard to disassociate themselves from NAS at present. But first we have to get through this transition away from NAS. This is where the real talent gets to shine.
Like you, I look forward to the industry moving ahead in a steady and calculated manner after this last decade in the halls of doom.
[Edited because on second read the post seemed blunt and almost rude and this wasn't intended.]