Scottcalvin
Your inital post certainly didn't sound as if it was from someone who "(has) successfully run 3 airlines from start up that have been sold on.", but I suppose if you say so then it must be correct.
I'm just find it hard to believe that you were, apparently, surprised at the way things operate CAA-wise as told to you by "an old aviation expert". I only set up and ran an AOC operation for eight years (which was itself sold on) so I don't suppose you think I know what I'm talking about any more than do AL446, Groundhog or Andrewcharlton so I won't comment further.
I hope you don't take this post as an 'insult', as it's not intended to be.