@lookingforajob,
I don't know which unit you are/were based at but where I work you don't get half an hr with no traffic to put your feet up and make a brew........I wish! As a dual valid controller working nights at a busy airfield, tower duties involve more than just aircraft calls. Night duties involve lots of vehicle activity due to constant work in progress and non standard complex procedures on a regular basis. Having controlled at a couple of units I can say that it might work at some units, but not everywhere. It simple isn't safe in my opinion.
Once the staffing is cut it won't be re-introduced thats for sure.
Put bad weather and an emergency into the frame and trust me, when your work loads has doubled you would prefer to have an ATSA and an extra ATCO on duty to help!