The fact that the hours have reduced still further, is a direct result in the slump in confidence of those on the ground, that the aircraft will be able to assist them anymore.
In the days when when a call for overhead cover resulted in a quick response, it was effective. Morale and condidence grew. But today in the knowledge that you will be waiting for ages even if it comes at all, no one bothers anymore.
Its what HH and AM wanted and its what you got.
NPAS was always the correct way forward, its just the way that it was done that was wrong.
TF