I do know LKH isn't a LARS unit, before anyone else points that out! I called them because I wanted DAAIS for D208, rather than LARS.
Yes, that kind of 'surge day' fits what I was hearing, which did indeed sound like an entire squadron or two trying to come in at the same time.
Mode C doesn't work in the plane I usually fly (placarded 'NO ALT INFO' and Brize confirmed no readout when I asked), like 90% of the rented planes I've come across. The only recent exception was the one I did my IMC rating training in. I guess what happens is that when it fails, it's not a priority for cash-strapped flying schools to get fixed, since it's not mandatory. I agree that's daft: I think we should have a system like they have in the US, with a Mode C 'veil' around major hubs to help prevent airspace busts. Needless to say the standard of avionics in rented planes in the US seems much higher.
Tim