I would like to see ATC require at least one controller in 5000 to have
a pilots license and a minimal amount of aviating ability or knowledge.

In my experience flying primarily in the U.S. Midwest, most controllers are
knowledgeable and seem to have a good sense of what we, as pilots, need.

Also, just as an aside, Lockheed-Martin was preferentially hiring pilots for
flight service when they first took over the system. Don't know if they've
stuck to that plan, though...
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"