Rule3, re your post 648 yes it is for real
In the UK CAA system non radar towers such as Plymouth are in G airspace with Controllers "controlling" IFR aircraft on to the approach and the ILS.
Controllers even "control" IFR aircraft in en-route radar G airspace when other aircraft in IMC are not reporting.
In practice they give a class E like service in G however they so resist change(the CAA) that no one is game to call it class E.
Tiny airports such as Gatwick are class D.
Heathrow is supposed to be class A however you can fly VFR in the airspace.
Yes, those in charge are incompetent.