What would be different today?
If a similar situation were to happen today (God forbid), what would be different?
The flight being VFR would have left CG and been told 'squawk 1200, services terminated'.
There is no position reporting or flight following
Approaching WLM, if the pilot wanted assistance the controller will have no details.
Radar advisory service is only available subject to work load.
And who championed these changes?