We are not a something-for-nothing provider any more.
No - in this particular circumstance you've become a 'nothing for something provider. (And I know all about the 'Harsh, Commercial World' - I work for the other lot
)
I think the problem is you're not expanding your mind to the problem. Stop thinking provincially and think outside the 'Biggin / Thames' box.
Once you get outside of your part of the world, at weekends - there's Jack S**t in terms of service provision over a vast amount of the country - yet once that 'I' goes on the flight plan you get screwed for nothing.
Put it another way. You go to a restaurant, you order a meal. You get an aperitif, but nothing else. Two hours later you're given a bill for all three courses, drinks and coffee which you're then expected to pay before you leave.
How would you feel?
Perhaps, the LARS service itself would be more comprehensive if the charges were set at a realistic level and directed at all those who wish to take advantage of the service or would all those recipients be as reluctant to pay as you?
I agree with the above, but if you're going to provide a service outside regulated airspace then it's time we stopped this 'piece-meal' approach to ATC that we in Britain are so good at.
If you're going to charge then place a levy on everyone and provide a service everywhere. If you can't provide everywhere then either a) don't provide at all or b) leave it up to individual units whether they participate in some form of service, with no LARS funding.