"Slim - come and watch some day at a busy, combined GA and Commercial unit. I guarantee you'll leave with a slightly different opinion."
I have, but it didnt change my perception.
On the whole I think ATCO do a terrific job - BUT the perception remains their priority is commercial trafic.
It seems to me absolutely clear from this thread most GA pilots would struggle to find a single occasion when AT is really trying to accomodate their needs. Zone transits are given only if it provides NO interference with commercial users, RIS outside CAS is only given if the workload is low, overhead transits at the larger airports are never given, and zone transits are only approved after the envitable "remain outside of controlled airspace, I will call you". Please someone tell me this is not their experience.
I have asked Gatwick on a number of occasions for a zone transit via their overhead - it has never been granted - why?