Sam Spade wrote:

When I am cleared for a visual I am told to maintain my own separation.


If you see the airplane in front of you, yes, you are told to follow it.
Or if the aircraft is landing on a different runway you would be told
to maintain visual.


I guess you are referring to the tower applying visual separation
without telling me?

They can, between you and a departure.




I still fail to understand where a VFR tower does other than release
aircraft and accept them as the IFR controlling facility tells them.


They are responsible for the initial separation, either as specified by
the radar facility or in a letter of agreement.