Roffa
I agree that the south east suffers from air space restriction more than any other. Not only is the area of CAS significant but it probably has a higher desity of GA fields that any other area. It also suffers from vertical constriction because of the London TMA
I shall look forward to hearing more about the changes. I hope that these arent rolled out with the usual lack of consultation that seems endemic in aviation.
I was and still remain opposed to the compulsory introdcution of mode S. I do not see it offers any material advantages to GA over mode C. However my view on transponders has changed. In my opinion all aircraft should be fitted with a transponder. The fact of the matter maybe that mode S transponders will become as "cheap" as mode C before to long.
Until then your fears are justified and as you would say - sadly that is the way it is. Hopefully times are gradually changing in that respect as well.