What we are talking about here is a token sum, enough to shout a couple of drinks only. We're talking less than an economy return SY-ML! It's a goodwill gesture, a thankyou. It isn't graft or payola. It isn't even drinks-for-trackshortening.
The function referred to is an informal Christmas drinks (a tradition of some 20 years in this port) typically funded by newly rated ATC's and some operators. ASA doesn't officially contribute, as they put on an official Christmas party as a separate function.
ATCs don't favour one operator over another, what a rediculous presumption. MATS gives a list of traffic priorities that we must obey, followed by whatever makes our own job easiest.
Removal of goodwill simply removes opportunities for ATCs to "go the extra mile" for the customer when we have no requirement or incentive to do so.