But thats just it, by allowing all diversions to be 'free', it removes a financial consideration which
could be part of the decision making process.
Admittedly, if my engine goes BANG and loses power...I'm going down and I will land in Madonna's backgarden if I have to - it's doubtful I'll have time to worry about if her Dobermans will take kindly to an aicraft dropping in unannouced. As you said, I'll worry about that once on the ground and safe.
On the other hand, if I'm on a XC and the weather ahead isn't great... it's not REALLY bad but it's enough to make me uncomfortable with the situation - financial considerations can come into play - If I'm near Leicester and the weather goes tits up - a fiver landing fee I can live with, If I'm near EastMids and think I'm going to be given a £40 fee (inc mandatory handling...) I'm more likely to press on into a situation where i shouldn't be.
It'd be nice to think finances won't ever come into it, unfortunately - in some cases, not all, but in some, they will do and I personally think this is a good initiative which if it helps one person make the 'right' decision - has been worth it.
(and a few quid towards the party fund will no doubt leave all parties involved happy with the outcome) 