Pelton,
Interesting points.
The formula for route charges seems as contrived as a certain ANSPs pay-banding formula, taking the square-root of MTOW divided by 50 etc.
If this is a standard formula, how come NATS route charges are higher? It is of course right that UK ATC should charge slightly more as it is allegedly one of the best ATC services in the world. Basic economics teaches that one should expect to pay slightly more for a premium-quality good or service.
I looked at the CRCO document and the traffic growth graph contained therein. Considering the the rapid growth in recent years, not much of a downturn yet then, (back to 2006ish so far). Just part of the largely greed-driven, boom-bust economic cycle I'm afraid.. Been there, done that, got the tee-shirt(s).
Lots of departures from my local airport while I'm typing this, OPS normal for a Saturday morning in January.