Yes, we've been "touched" by some strange rules over the years, haven't we.
Along the lines of Griffo's tales, one of the strangest was the building and positioning of Flight Service Units ... so the FSOs couldn't see the aerodrome from the window ... less they actually advised an aircraft where another aircraft actually was.
And yes, Canada was actually (don't know if they still are) operating Towers, manned by FSOs ... providing an Aerodrome Advisory Service. However, even during "fact finding missions" overseas, Australian FSOs weren't allowed to inspect these facilities ... only Australian ATCs. What that means, I don't know ... but it's just the facts.
All these bits of historical "ramblings" may appear off topic, but I think they certainly add to the jigsaw puzzle of why and how we are where we are.