Money well spent
The 'Civilian' element of the ACO has always been its 'jewel' in that it provided a cadre of capable adult staff at very little cost to the tax payer.
Whether in the Cadet Squadrons or the Gliding operations the civilian element was nigh on cost free.
As for the provision of a Cadet service at all, this has be balanced against the unseen advantages of providing an organisation that allows youngsters to engage in self developing activities with just enough discipline to keep it safe yet not stifle the normal enthusiasm for adventure. What the ACO 'had' in its Gliding set up was an organisation that provided a unique extra level of self development that was available to anyone who wished to participate without a financial limitation.
Where the ATC has gone astray is in its 'paid for' back up providers who have failed to provide a service yet the money has been spent.
There is also a big question mark hanging over the capability level of those that should have been overseeing this and then dealing with the problem that ensued. The Cadets that passed through the system took with them skills and a level of self development that equipped them for adult life and repaid that earlier investment many times over.
At the end of the day the civilian element of the ACO can holds its head up high; it never failed the Cadets and has a proud tradition of capability and service.