kontrolor, That is a very good article indeed. In a past life, I was closely involved in the interactions between airspace users and ANSPs, and in proposing institutional models that would improve and safeguard their efficiency. There are many better business models than the one currently emplyed in the US, the Nav Canada one is a very good example to follow.
The two most important things that are needed are (1) to separate service provision from regulatory oversight (a regulator 'in bed' with the service provider is not a healthy situation), and (2) to provide the ANSP with a revenue stream separate from the whims of politicians.