verticalhold..... Sounds like it ever was. I was in ATC Oxford in 1971. A number of the more senior instructors were very much against radar as they felt that it would be restrictive, yet when things were downright grim they would gaily do QGHs!! It was very scary running a hold in IMC with half a dozen twins and some charlie would call "... just coming up to your overhead at FL55, any traffic?" Aarrgghh.
Controlled Airspace is for sensible pilots and controllers but the clockwork mice brigade have a very strong lobby....
Keep taking the tablets.