Gegg
Yup definately much to learn from both sides, and in general pilots have the highst regard for the way 'our' guys do ATC, and I am sure that includes you !!
Just reading between the lines on your posts, sounds like you are slightly more in the "Radar, Control-Service" camp compared to Inverted81.
We get to hear many controllers, possibly more than you get to hear? (and they are generally amazingly good, with a few nutty exceptions, like the Channel Islands, doh. and Stanstead and Edinburgh sometimes)