Capt H Peacock
The only way to stop controllers using real aeroplanes to make the world's most exciting video game even more exciting is to file more reports of unsatisfactory service. Get the radio and radar tapes impounded for replay...very simple to do.
You may ask what right a controller has to impose such a service, or for what reason. It may sound slick, but it just contributes to any one of a raft of safety-critical items that have been directly linked to overloaded R/T.
You might also ask the controller how many sectors are joined together [or bandboxed].
We are under intense and unrelenting pressure to move more aircraft with fewer controllers........either file a report or expect the same tomorrow, and the next day.......etc.