Oh dear, your are a little upset aren't you dear boy? You also seem to have a few misconceptions....
"With units crying out for trainees?" errr No, not true. Units are crying out for valid, experienced staff. Most units already have a large training backlog. Adding to the numbers won't help. OJTIs are pushed hard enough now.
"projected ATCO shortage in two years", It's here RIGHT NOW. Only NATS management seem unaware of this. Then again you can't learn much in the ostrich position can you?
"Does it amke sense to send the naxt batch to LATCC?" Well, yes actually. One, where else are you gonnna send them? Two, if they use their time wisely, they might actually learn something useful. Recent U/Ts that I've trained have been WOEFULLY short on aviation knowledge and this has made their training prolonged and sometimes difficult.
This, combined with the "I've done the college course so I can do anything" attitude of many of those like yourself is probably a GOOD reason to MAKE you sit around and contemplate the difference between the CATC games and reality.
LATCC is in the process of OCT (Operational Conversion Training) for NERC. Therefore the training slots available are somewhat limited. This will probably continue to be the case after NERC opens, at least until OJTIs biuld up sufficient confidence in the new system. Use the time wisely and when you finally commence tactical training, it will stand you in good stead. Spend a year or so moaning and you can forget it.
So to sum up, since you make no alternative suggestions, Yes you are just being stupid.
RGDs BEX.