Cambridge 20 approval status

I have owned a Cambridge Model 20 flight recorder for several years
now. I have kept up with all the software upgrades to ensure it has
the maximum features and functionality. None of these upgrades fixed
some serious flaws in the software design, which I was not told about
when I bought the unit.

I am not exactly sure of the total facts and sequence of events, but
the following describes a pretty sorry state of affairs…
Late last year (2003), the IGC in its wisdom, demoted this and other
types/models of Flight Recorder from "full" to badges and diplomas
only. This unilateral decision was met with an outcry from around the
world. The IGC then withdrew this decision, reconsidered it and then
repeated that decision in early 2004 with a clear statement that the
Model 20 (amongst others) would have its approval level reduced on 1
Oct 2004. On this basis and recognising the generous grandfathering
of rights, I decided to buy a new Flight Recorder.

Recently, I have been advised that this decision has been changed
again. Three things annoy me he
Firstly that the IGC cannot make up its mind - there have now been so
many U-turns that I am getting dizzy!
Secondly that this notice has been made in a back-handed way,
contained right at the bottom of an advisory notice about a review of
the process to look at the way Flight Recorders approvals are
appraised. I have looked on the manufacturers website and there is no
information. Apparently one has to subscribe to an IGC discussion
forum (exciting stuff!) to have received this notice, and have taken
the trouble to read through a whole document to get the nitty-gritty
details at the end.
Thirdly the wording of the statements is very unclear and could be
regarded as ambiguous. Even now, I am not entirely sure of the
approval levels.

I am left questioning the competence of bureaucracy......

Humphrey