Yes it does seem many are running illegally. The chap I spoke to, nice enough as he was, didn’t have a clue or was arrogantly dismissive. The problem for these guys is that it will only take one pull and its game over. They won’t be left alone after that. I’d rather do it properly and have peace of mind whilst driving.
Eventually they will lose business. One day he may have to make a call to Arnold Clark to inform them that their vehicle on his trailer is stranded on the M6 !