Jay Honeck wrote:

This is precisely my point, which may be summed up thusly: Class D is
"pretend" controlled airspace. It should be regarded as "Barely
controlled" or "Semi-controlled"...

Perhaps you've not a problem with the airspace, but with the term
"controlled". After all, class E airspace is "controlled" too; see the AIM
(section 2 defines "controlled airspace", if memory serves). But (I hope!)
nobody expects VFR separation there.

- Andrew