Just a quickie, Real issue is the the interaction of ATC instructions and TCAS, time is so tight when the TCAS goes off, there is no time for debate about which you do and if the decison is the wrong one !!! TCAS is not infallible, close calls induced by TCAS limitations, mode C encoding have happened before. As with all automated systems with only limited logic and no reasoning, most times it does a good job, but once in a while you discover the weak points.As to ATC, the debate over Swiss size is irrelevant, the average ATc sector size is not constrained by ploitical or geographical boundaries, merely workload considerations,which will of course be determined by goegraphical aspects, e.g LGW LHR interaction. No amount of open skies will change that.
As to offsets, as has been said, with direct routes, offset where ? As to the Russian aircraft's reaction, , we can only wait and see. We all know that a lot of what is speculated is just that. Probably the best thing we can do as a group is keep reporting what happens to us, TCAS RAs etc so as to get a handle on what really happens. Without hard evidence of problems in any area, we will get nothing done no matter how much we write here, so if you have issues, MOR, company reports, BALPA or whoever your union or professional association is.
A sad event which like others before it will cause some to say"ther but for the grace of God go I" or similar words
Regards
MArtin A