Oban used to work very satisfactorily as a GA airport, attracting a good deal of private traffic and serving the Islands.
Given its catchment and geographical position that is all it will ever be. So adding the investment and the bureaucracy and reducing its accessibility is unlikely to be a recipe for success.
The new boy's rant suggests some level of vested interest.
I feel quite sorry for Paul Keegan and the airport staff who have been mixed a most unpalatable bottle by the politicians. Despite that, they supply a good service with good humour in my experience.
Rules that serve no useful purpose are not to be celebrated.