Once again BEags old mate, I must emphasise that I am not trying to justify any of the changes, merely putting a few of what I consider to be 'facts' into this thread that is naturally proving to be somewhat emotive. And also to state that I still think that they are worthwhile institutions, even if they don't match up to the idealistic requirements of many in here.
Simply put, I believe that it's better to have what we have, rather than the realistic current budgetary alternative - - - nothing.
Edited to say that as I have no experience whatsoever of OTCs, I do not know whether or not they do "the same only better". I do know that we have students who have taken the time and effort to become mountain leaders, canoe leaders etc and that the system puts a lot of effort into doing the adventurous training stuff. I also do know that even if they do do "the same only better", the OTC still doesn't provide the opportunity to fly as well.
Oops - sorry - that WAS almost a defence of the system.