Re: the rules debate
Jim is technically correct, you do not need an exempton to land in a congested area, you need the written permission to operate below 1000 feet over the congested area which would facilitate the landing.
Shy is also correct that there has been no change in this since the rewrite.
The CAA had to specifically mention landing in a congested area in the context of SVFR where the 1000 above rule is exempted, this prohibits people landing anywhere in London CTR without also getting written permission since the 500 foot rule doesn't apply when landing by default also.