TAD
I have been watching this thread with much interest since I last commented. Is the Watch Manager some kind of head teacher in your opinion who has dominion over some pretty experienced helo pilots? I think not, and having spoken to a good many "watch manager" I have found them to be pretty reasonable professional folk just as one would expect.
I take it after all your years at ABZ you haven't risen to this dizzy height. Perhaps you should put yourself forward at the next "promotion board"!
A bit harsh?
Perhaps all TAD is saying is that s/he is in catch 22, know they will get complaints if they hold and will get sacked if the loose separation. Hence the call to the Watch Manager is merely a warning to stand by for the complaints.
I think most pretty experienced helicopter pilots flying in and out of Aberdeen know that asking more from an ATCO at busy times means increased controller workload and therefore decreased safety. They would also take more fuel if their experience told them to expect delays.