004 " [But] be warned, it may just be delivered in Chairman Hawke style - lots of words, lots of sexy pictures and 200 pages of glossy coloured paper, to produce, in reality ............nothing."
Back in the day, when there were 'real' changes being made to the rules; Hawke was involved. The guys on various panels and rule writing groups have nothing but praise for the Mandarins' mandarin. Seems he has a great virtue (IMO) in that he actually hears when he 'listens', is able to reduce a long discourse to it's essentials, make a decision and execute it. Add this to a strong military connection, a well protected minuscule, a canny ability to sniff the political wind, a glaring need for 'real' change and you have the makings of change happening, enforced by a competent board. Before anyone calls "Mary Poppins" syndrome, think on.
It's not unreasonable to speculate that Boyd and Danos (a clever, dark horse) have formed a working relationship and that Hawke will listen to them; both men know that 'change' must be real. It would be politically embarrassing not to and as CP says, it's win-win. The Rev. Forsyth has an active interest and the Senators cannot be discounted or written out of the script. Indeed, with an experts like Fawcett and Forsyth available to take the flack for a duck up; or to aid the minuscule to grab the kudos if it's a brilliant success, even the most jaundiced cynic could expect a good cut of the roast, even if the whole thing is out of reach.
An 'informed', plugged in board allowed to work with the DAS can achieve much, in short order, there is already a pile of good advice not heeded waiting for the new boy. Only a mug with an oversized ego would waste the collective wisdom and guidance available from Boyd, Danos and Hawke. I'd bet a beer that the DAS selection panel were very careful to avoid another 'one man band'. There are those who would lay more blame than is perhaps merited at the boards feet for the debacle of the past five years and the resultant embarrassment. But clever folk won't waste time or wind on a lost cause; they can wait. And wait they have; now if you'll allow that the board are men of good will, it's no great stretch to have hope that by working with the right DAS, change will come. Otherwise, abandon hope, for the rule of the Golden West Mafia club will be enforced by the McComic catamite wabbits and other, hideous, mythical beasts of nightmare.
It's all still in the balance, but I get a good vibe from the whispers I hear. But to show good faith and garner industry support a simple thing like deffering (abandon is better) part 61 would go a long way. This they can do with a twitch of an eyebrow, same-same with LAME tickets.
It's no skin off to make the changes happen, except to the embedded bottom dwellers who will be called to account; or leave the building quietly. With the right kind of DAS the 'decent chaps' (sigh, and Chapattis) who were forced to hide behind the pot plants lest one of the swaggering, incompetent bullies spotted them and used them hard to gather DAS credits; (see Chambers Report) can emerge and shine. With support from the top the troops can and will ensure pay-back; with interest.
Aye well, it's all to play for, but balanced so precariously that a puff of wind could tip it either way. So no farting: Pooh/fart separator checks must be complete pre boarding.
Toot toot.