And pray what is wrong with calling the FIS to get essential weather information? I say full marks to these pilots for having the awareness to ask for this information in a timely and correct manner. If at the flight planning stage the weather at destination and/or alternate(s) is marginal then it is surely GOOD airmanship to ask for an update whilst enroute!
The FIS channel is the CORRECT method to get this information when beyond range of the ATIS rather than attempting to call on the Approach frequency when cruising at circa 35,000 ft and causing interference to other units on the same frequency.
The situation is more a reflection on the archaic VOLMET system which exists and the non-availibility of so called "minor" airports on the system and has little to do with the particular company that is asking for the information.