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Mr Cockshutt sets out the problem and is baffled in finding a solution. He asks for suggestions.

Abolition is, I'm assuming, not an option or desirable. There are very good MFs.

I don't suggest that what follows will work either, and it won't be popular. Never mind.

How about a McKenzie Friend Association equivalent to the Licenced Conveyancers? Membership would depend on ability, examination (or waiver) and probity. Its members could be graded as to the work each was entitled to do and, maybe, the level of fees (if any) to be charged. Insurance and discipline would be part of the package. Outsource to the SRA/SDT?

I realise that this will add to the ever growing list of "lawyers", but Charles Dickens would recognise the system. After all the Law Society started out as a gathering of various legal professionals to form a single profession. This is a step back.