ILS 119.5, I believe you may be misquoting Mr Parkinson; he actually describes himself as an
Air Traffic Control Systems Consultant
Which phrase is probably closer to 'computer salesman' than 'Air Traffic Controller'. I am extremely suspicious of his motives for writing to the Telegraph (drumming up business perhaps?).
That said, I believe the points you make are all valid. Oh, and yes, Bern Oulli, stupid covers it!
STH