so everyone is "flashed" once the compulsory light is on; people by the hangar, the fuel station and on the run-up ramp. Annoying especially at night
Not compulsory! Well at least not in the UK on a light aircraft. Again good airmanship might say leave it off if it causes problems.
such as our PA28 - have the strobes and beacon wired to the same switch so it's all or nothing as far as the beacon is concerned. I rather expected an ATPL holder to know that sort of thing!
If that comment was aimed at me how on earth would you expect me to know about such as idiosyncrasy in your particular aircraft?? My own PA 28 did not have such a thing.