Controllers are ultimately doing the same, and unfortunately in both cases it does have a certain logic to it... if you can't talk your boss into certain concessions, then perhaps the customers may have enough leverage
Your Spanish 'customers', at least the ones that fly on Iberia, wont be applying any leverage as they still get directs all the time!
Level playing field is too much to ask I know - but, by your own logic, if us non-nationals keeping asking often enough, perhaps we will achieve it - you may even then get us on side to apply our leverage!