....and so the proposal by many on this thread is to increase the airspace limitations, introduce additional controlled airspace and mandate increased equippage of kit that may not be suitable for the platform! So, to paraphrase....you don't have, or are unwilling/unable to invest in, the equipment necessary to fly in fully controlled airspace so we want others to spend money upgrading their equipment instead!
As has been pointed out elsewhere, the majority of mid-air collisions, despite rigourous procedures, technology, etc. appear to happen in CONTROLLED airspace.
Actually no. We HAVE a transponder, not because we NEED one legally, but because it increases safety and some may say it helps us get CAS transits. A good investment. We have already shelled out for the extra equipment. It is a proportional thing, to upgrade our aeroplane and qualifications (which powered aircraft require) to fly IFR in CAS (I.e. class A) would probably cost us £30,000 minimum. It is a bit more than £900 for a Mode C transponder isn't it.
Most collisions happen OUTSIDE CAS. The last two I can think of happened in class G.
I'll fit any practical equipment I think is nescessary and within reasonable cost if it increases safety. I don't know why some people are so against fitting a relatively cheap bit of kit to theirs....?