I've had many negative dealings with Spanish atc and I can only complement one station. The ladies and gentlemen at Reus are very good. They realise that there needs to be some flexibility in the system and they work their asses off to accommodate us. I've been there twice and both times tower has been excellent.
Anyways my main point has to be that finally someone from Spanish atc has admitted that this situation has nothing to do with safety but everything to do with throwing their toys out of the pram. Yes Avman your post spelled it out exactly. Your post spells out exactly that Spanish controllers are flexing their muscles to tell everyone who's boss and nowt else. Aren't you guys n gals just great And yes i know sarcasm is the lowest form of wit.