Well, I can't actually see the point here. It rather sounds very bad to me, to make such a comment on an ATC -RECORDED!- freq.
This makes me argue a not-so-clever pilot was holding the mike.
I wouldn't say air over Europe and the Atlantic is far different from the air over the States. So, the key is implementing RVSM with the right procedures and smoothness. As far as I can see or read, RVSM just works here
Making that statement without being informed about the issue, or worse, without even knowing this is ACTUALLY working in Europe, sounds pretty much like old men complaining about the world and recalling their good old times.
Cheers
