Buzz,please believe us ,we find the situation a real pain as well.Sids that depart on the same route,Arrivals and departures roueting to the same fix,Holds that conflict and in particular (can I just point out DB6) class E airspace. Yes you are quite witin your rights to transit the area without speaking to us...But a) we would be able to give you a better service ( utilising radar as opposed to just position reports RAS/RIS instead of FIS ,dont panic its still free,at the moment!) and b) we are obliged by law to maintain 5 miles or 5000 feet from any unknown traffic...kinda tough when you are at 10 miles having to maintain 7000 feet!
Also cabin announcements ( yes ATCers travel as well) such as "If ATC help us out today we will get a right turn out",do not help,its not gonna happen on a weekday, might be fine at the moment but give us 3 months when we are privatised and we'll be sueing for comments like that!
Despite the tone of my reply, Buzz, I do agree with you. Something needs sorting out very quickly. PF + PH are growing too quickly to be sticking to the rules of yesteryear...We need airway and airport infrastructure to help us out yesterday...In the meantime we have to muddle along and do the best by the rules that exist today.