David Viewing,
The reason that you just can't use 123.45 is because it's reserved for somebody else! Just the same reason that you cant use the Heathrow or Gatwick Approach frequency for 'touring parties'. As anyone who has ever tuned in to 123.45 for a laugh, touring parties tend to be people yakking for yakking's sake!
"What power setting have you got Ted?"
"2400rpm George, what about you?"
"I've got 2375rpm. What height are you at Ted?"
"I'm at 1565ft George, what about you?"
and so on..................
Radio discipline goes out of the (DV) window and it sounds like CB radio all over again.
This subject has been done to death on this forum over the past few years. People try to compare the issue with the US of A Unicom system which is ludicrous. They have been brought up with Unicom over there, using RT when required. and thay ALL know how to use it! And its the size of Europe..
IMHO, if people need an air to air frequency for formation flying etc, then they ain't doing it properly! Those who NEED an Air/Air frequency normally get one! Those who just want to compare notes really dont need one..