It is depressing, and as Defruiter points out, it's not the folks in big hats sitting at the 'pointy ends' who are behind these demands.
U.K. ATC is still in an enviable position. Many in big hats who sit at 'pointy ends' regard it as being among the best. This is good, an endorsement directly from 'the end user/customer' or whatever this week's buzz-words happen to be.
U.K ATC is also regarded as some of the most expensive in Europe. Well that's alright then.
As many of the airline/airport/ operators who enthusiastically contributed to this discussion will tell you……
If you want a first-class service, (be it valet parking, or even parking, use of our business-lounge or a first-class ticket), you have to pay a premium price.
Job done.