I find it both stressful and depressing dealing with CASAs medical demands. I consider myself quite healthy but fall into several of their risk categories that demand several expensive tests. My renewal is currently on hold pending another round of tests, but of course I could sell my aircraft and fly RAAus, which I am considering. But the whole situation could cause mental depression and certainly does not help my quality of life, all for no safety benefit to me or the world at large. A good friend of mine suffered serious ill health and ultimately died because he was a keen pilot who failed to get medical attention because he wanted to continue flying. Others I know have suffered depression in similar circumstances. I believe there are many pilots who fail to seek medical help because of their fear of CASA, this is anecdotal but I hear enough stories to give it foundation. And then there are the many pilots who have told me it is just foolish to be honest on the CASA medical renewal questionnaire.
it is a deeply flawed and counter-productive system.