Having looked back at the recent postings, I now fullly accept that I have been guilty of overstating my case. Having spent so many mornings in recent years at both FH and Sydenham stations handing our leaflets in support of "open" stations and improved local services perhaps the cold is now slowly seeping into my brain.
The key factors are clearly both to keep that side of the station open but just as importantly to ensure passenger safety and convenience. I think that the gating system will cope better than many think (there's one more barrier on the proposed gate than at Sydenham station by the way - which may help) but the key factor is clearly safety first.
I have emailed Michael separately to offer both my apologies and to offer help in any way that I can.