The character building aspect of the ATC is similar to that of the Boys Brigade (I was a member) and the Scouts with one IMPORTANT difference:
I have observed in my fellow men a distinction between those of us who have indulged in some sport or activity the performance of which could result in death. I'm sure that I became a different sort of person after going solo in a glider. This is an important point of difference between most sports and flying, be it in powered aircraft, hang gliders, or balloons, but especially in gliders. Concentrates the mind wonderfully, flying solo in a glider. For that reason, and perhaps no other, the ATC should continue to fly gliders.
Maybe this has been overlooked as a reason for supporting the ATC.