As someone who learnt to fly in 1974 I remember only too well the briefing office and the guys who worked there.
Yes there was operational control for OCA. They use to look over your plans know the weather and very positively suggest flying was not for you, read your experience, that day.
They also use to vet your route against notams and restricted areas. Remember the old flight plan had a column on the right to notate each restricted area.
Now it is up to you, with big brother ready with the do not pass go fine book for transgressions.
Despite the cost these guys in the briefing office probably saved many an aspiring pilot from fatal errors