Bob
Yes you are correct, they do operate quite happily with a transponder and appropriate licence etc...... You knew that already, its not a guess!
Anecdotal ......well you may say that, and in some cases yes, but believe me it happens, these guys do not make this **** up! As for ringing someone or emailing.... well on some far more dangerous issues I have and along with a CFI......... funny never even had a thank you or any follow up at all. No seeking clarification nothing. Almost like wasting ones time. Maybe you can correct this?
As for the last bit, I am not blaming you. The folk who bitterly opposed it are a far greater mass than you Bob, and we have discussed this before, it was a sloppy case from ABIT ASA and many others who let the opportunity slip. I think it was you who corrected me on this point once before!
Cheers!