Ayr_Man,
If more proper testing of NAS patches took place, then unforseen consequences of inputs wouldn't happen.
Not many years ago, NAS was 'foolproof' as regards an input crashing it.
BTW, rumour had it that one crash was caused by an ATCO doing an input! True or not, I don't know.
Your recognition of the ATSA work is appreciated, although personally I'm still undecided about licensing.
A thought worth thinking about- If I pass a clearance to an airfield incorrectly and an incident results, who gets hung drawn and quartered- me or the ATCO whose licence I'm working under?
Also, I believe that ATSA LCE's at Swanwick get extra money- true or false. Might be wrong as it came from a pub conversation!