Just to add to the debate I was flying north to south over the Midlands yesterday lunchtime. Rather than do the "rat run" between BHX and EMA I asked for (and got) an EMA transit (EMA have never refused me a VFR transit). I must say, given the poor viz, that I was glad of the radar service, EMA pointed out several contacts (one a mile away) that we never saw. It's strange that some people have the attitude that Class D airspace is to be avoided at all costs! Having a radar service (even if it is only formally a FIS) must be a big improvement to safety. You only have to ask!