I think everyone is aware that ASA is chronically short of controllers, that's what the main issue is. Thing is, with the new Part 61 PPL a CTA endorsement is required meaning more VFR clearance requests. ASA costs these candidates 5-600 dollars every time a 'request' is knocked back, more if it's a test not including the stuff around of coming back and doing it again. VFR pilots are **** scared of requesting clearances and petrified of operating in CTA. Great culture that we've developed here.