Yep, I thoroughly agree there. Been there done that (except I worked it out myself!)
No need to liken oz to the Galapagos - look at our own fauna that's evolved in isolation. Mammals that lay eggs for god's sake! Maybe Oz aviation suffers from the Australia Effect!
As for our rules, there are many many ones where the rest of the world sees it practically. Mind you there are a couple of rules here (like no mandatory Alternates) that allow aviation to continue unabated...!