There's a good read about this at The Main Bang. That's a blog by the past president of the controllers union.
The Main Bang
I'm a retired ATC and pilot. (Aahhh, schizophrenia) Both of me do not like the philosophy at work here. Safety of flight doesn't seem to be the FAAs concern here.
I believe most controllers will take Mr. Carrs point of view on this.
I'm a "no harm, no foul, lesson learned" type. It has served me/us well for many years.