One thing that's clear on this thread, as elsewhere, is that a small minority of aircraft users are calling the shots.
Just for interest, here is the current % make up of the UK aircraft fleet, using the CAAs own data. Remember ALL are currently included in the Mode S proposal, unless it gets amended. I've listed them below in decreasing fleet size order:
Foot launched aircraft, powered and non-powered = 26%
Light single engine piston = 21%
Microlights = 15%
Gliders and SLMGs = 10%
Balloons and airships = 7%
Amateur built fixed wing = 6%
Helicopters and gyros = 6%
Commercial Air Transport = 4%
Light twin engine piston and larger singles = 2%
Vintage and historic = 2%
Turbine light aircraft = 1%
What is clear from this list is that a very large number of these aircraft are not using radio, are not using air traffic control facilities, are not flying anywhere except in class G airspace and are restricted to VFR flight only, yet these are the ones bearing the brunt of the financial impact of the mode S proposal.
VP