Dick Smith said:
"The fact that the tower “owns” the airspace to 8,500 feet (or is it 12,500 feet?) is a hangover from the old pre-radar days. It is a bit like the FSOs keeping their airspace for many years after radar was introduced – and therefore unintentionally lowering safety."
Unfortunately, just more generalized rhetoric, Dick.
How did "FSOs keeping their airspace" ... "...lower safety"?
Firstly, as if they had any say in any decision to keep airspace. Airspace classification was well and truly others' responsibility. If it was deemed OCTA, FSOs looked after it. If it was deemed Controlled Airspace, ATCs looked after it.
Secondly, the availability of tools to perform ones duties was also in the hands of others ... specifically, at the time, you. You have stated previously on this forum that you failed in getting radar made available to FSOs.
Don't turn your lost opportunity to increase safety into someone else's fault.... sound's like your complaint about the ASA Board, doesn't it?