Now that the embittered sniping has finished...
Short comment: when I was sent on exchange it was not for my amusement. I was charged with doing a professional job in the air and on the ground. I was expected to interact socially with my host nation and to represent my country in all respects. I was there on duty, not on a paid holiday. It cost a lot of money to do that and I wasn't expected to behave like a poor relation or to take out a loan in order to do my job.
The combination of FFR and LOA allowed me to do that. But that was a long time ago and I have to wonder if I could commit to that today, especially in light of the latest cut. I like to think I would have a go, but no one, no matter how committed, can do their duty at a loss. The days of Army officers requiring a private income to join the Royal Flying Corps have gone.