and - yes - I am an 'old fart cold war warrior' whose views you can dismiss if you wish
Roj, sometimes change for change's sake is no improvement.
I was a UAS stude and subsequently had the privilege of being a QFI on a different UAS.
The ethos of the entire system, 70s and 80s was to foster good relations with the military: primarily the RAF.
The cost of the "old style" UAS hardly justifies their demolition: the benefits far outweigh the expenditure.