DJ
How wrong you are! One of my airmen did exactly that after being charged for a trivial but repeated offence. He withdrew his option for trial by Court Martial 4 months later when he realised it would cost him over a grand and he would still be found guilty and given an appropriate punishment!
What has the 21st century got to do with it? I don't remember being briefed that charges went out of the window with the new millenium. Good-discipline is fostered in many ways, one of which is an effective detterent, which in this case is the Orderly Room and appropriate punishment.
You REALLY think people are leaving the Service because they've been charged?! Put it another way though, if someone does leave the Service for that reason, then good. I wouldn't want to serve with anyone with such poor respect for discipline and loyalty.