I find this last bit interesting. 'Professionalism' aside, is such a comment indicative of some wider issues at Blackpool. For example, was it common practice for people to make approaches around when the weather was well below Cat 1 minima? Had ATC seen (encouraged) similar occurrences in the past without reporting them? Was/is there an endemic press-on-itis?
No not common practice at Blackpool. One thing that was widely known / thought / felt, was the serviceability and general condition of this particular FTO's aeroplanes, which is why I think this particular comment was made by the controller.
But once again how does a controllers inappropriate comment change the fact that the flight was illegal and badly planned?
It doesn't at all, I agree with you completely. One thing though, it was certainly unnecessary and could have well added to what must have been mega stress levels which were already being experienced by the persons onboard.