Totally agree that it certainly depends on whom you speak to. Usually, if I get the response "you have the average delay" before I even stated the flight number tends to get me a little stingy, but than I had exceptional helpful officers on the other end that did go above and beyond to get a flight out.
As far as I know you do need a controllers license to work the OPS room in FMD.
I would appreciate if dispatchers could also be given the chance (just to represent the AOs side, as well).
As for IFPS, I can only say that I have mostly had positive experience.
Cheers
fcit