Chugalug2,
It seems to me that HC openly discusses the issues involved with an independent MAA very well and ackowledges the "force of your argument".
However, do you not feel that his demand for "(e) stronger links with the CAA and HSE, including non-executives from such organisations sitting on an MAA board with an express responsibility to watch for, and report annually, on the MAA’s independence from financial, political and operational pressures." meets your concerns very well?