I think with the ILS out it would be prudent to carry extra holding fuel to POM over and above the standard 30 minutes. Perhaps 60 especially if arriving after about 1400 local. Generally this will give you Nadzab with fixed reserves intact (hopefully).
It is always a good idea to get the latest TAF's before departing a port, but as we all know often the weather changes quite dramatically.
The ATC staff are a real mixed bag, I find. Some exceptional some ****e. But then again some days we pilots are on our game sometimes off.
You have always had to be on the ball as the unexpected is the norm. It has not changed in the 25 years that I have been visiting. I find the Nationals generally very helpful. They work under very trying conditions with little support and sub standard equipment. I have often wondered whether the towers and various flight service offices are airconditioned, actually I know quite a few aren't.
Yes when ATC and F.S were on strike it was a dream come true. Oh so easy.
CHE