Spodman
First, discrete FW frequencies were provided. They had the function of MET and SAR amongst other things. They were withdrawn by ASA and transferred to the en route ATC frequencies - no?
For aircraft NOT HF equipped the arrangement was to ask for FW on the en route freq - no? How do you suggest such aircraft can be sent to a non-existent VHF frequency for FW information?
Second, no effect on ATC with an expired sartime? Who are those people I hear looking up CTAF frequencies and contacting overflyers to try and make contact with a/c on the ground with expired sartime? Less effort than passing on a SAR cancel or amend?
MATS certainly provides "precedence". Don't misread that as "refusal" - unless you can demonstrate being indefinitely flat out like a lizard drinking it actually means "There will be a delay in providing the requested service".
Have I misunderstood all this?