Hi CM
Cross coupling does not work on our kit - we obviously bought the cheapest option. No doubt the cost of introducing the option would be prohibitive.
Combining the tasks would be a good idea if traffic levels were lower. As a unit we frequently have 10-15 speaking units under control. In the busy airspace of Lincolnshire, I would challenge anyone to give an effective radar service to that number of aircraft on their own or at times just two controllers (we sometimes struggle with 4).
Part of the problem is of our own making were we play at IFR/VFR and end up having to sequence VFR and IFR traffic.
PM