From my own personal experiences in the last 18mths+..
The VFBA do a lot without many knowing...their efforts during the coronial were above and beyond the call of duty...in particular the efforts of Wendy Shirley. She was responsible for organising all of our legal representation, provided an open line for communication and concerns with any part of the process and was physically present in court whenever a volunteer was on the stand.
Be careful knocking what they do, just because they aren't showy about their achievements, I have the utmost respect and gratification for their efforts since Black Tuesday.
Perhaps if some of you used them as a channel for your concerns, you may have different results..