Your point is well made HD, the ATCO community (and aviation in general) has it good compared to many other jobs, even those where safety of life is at stake.
However, I don't think the error record within the medical profession is one we should be willing to emulate. There is an entire industry in the western world built up around suing after doctor's mistakes. If anything, the medical profession should be looking to aviation for how to better manage the risk of human error.
There will always be a balance between the books and the risk, IMHO 6 on 2 off is starting to push the limits a little too far towards the books. I am a little biased though.
