gcse, a-level and a degree

GCSE to become optional at head's descretion. I was in the first year of GCSE, so I suppose it is time for a change, it is the only area in education that seems to not have changed in a decade or more.
Now people are asking "is gsce too easy ?" Grades have improved every year for twenty odd in a row. The Government claim that there are rising teaching standards, maybe a comparison between papers 5-10 years apart might show if they have got easier. Obviously the curriculum changes would need to be taken into account.
So will dropping GCSE leave the British educational system even narrower as compared with continental europe, or does the combination of AS and A2 mean that there is enough flexibility to have more than three subjects. The classic science combination of maths, physics and chemistry is not exactly broad based. The French Baccalaureate system appealed to me when I did my A-levels in 1990. Having some breadth in your education makes for more interesting education and , I feel, gives people a better basis on which to relate to the world.
Though A-level results have broken records again and people are now doubting the validity of these exams too. I guess if 20 odd percent (approx) of people who sit Maths get an A grade then it is kind of hard to assess who is better. The Guardian have a results coverage special section.
Lastly in this educational round up, University choice to happen after A-level grades are handed out, also this article. Now this I think is a great idea, even if it takes five years to figure out how to make UCAS accommodate it. Deciding where to go on the basis of known grades has been the priviledge of the year out crowd until now and it must be a lovely feeling. Applying and missing the grades or doing better than expected must be disappointing or frustrating. It seems to be that it will also even out the assignment of places within the university system.
So the major examination milestones of my life are all changing again, it seems that no British Government is happy to leave anything alone for more that one or two years. Education is an important element of the Government's offering to the public and it needs to match the needs of the different abilities and social groups that we have. Not everyone wants to go to university and as such it is important to have a set of qualifications at 16, at least it used to be.
Broader qualifications at A-level would be a good thing, combined with choosing your degree place once you have the actual grades might improve things, but then leave it alone for a few years. Otherwise how can you know what is having an effect.