More controllers should visit cockpits on black hairy congested nights as part of their training (not the morning jam runs).
As for barging through airspace with other aircraft in it, I know it's difficult for the scope dopes to get a grip on this, but aircraft still have windows.....
dohnut
Ah, but my "scope" works in full IMC - how about those windows?
As for your first, I've been lucky enough to have done jump seat rides (pre 9/11 when all it required was a request and ATC ID) in very interesting conditions, heavy icing, landing during thunderstorms with reported windshear, vis at minimas etc..
Also lucky enough to score a back seat ride in an F18 - 45 mins of aeros, went supersonic, pulled 7.3G in the climb out - awesome. At the end I watched the pilot stride off to brief for his next sortie while I staggered to my car and sat there for 20 mins trying to get the "jelly" out of my limbs!!!
So I have tremendous respect for cockpit workload, and the mental and physical stressors that pilots handle so well. But I have yet to meet the pilot whose SA can compete with that provided by radar.
Cockpit field of vision is limited (how's your rear-view mirror working for you?) and, particularly in an emergency situation, I expect the pilot will be mostly focussed on his own issues rather than trying to keep track of all the other traffic in the zone/sector. Hence, my job.
You can help me out by clearly stating your intentions/requests/requirements and updating your situation when able, I will help you out by affording appropriate priority (yours may not be the only emergency in progress) and facilitating those intentions/requests/requirements whilst also keeping you away from other airborne metal objects and terrain..... you're welcome.