joehunt;
Re descending, yeah, all else being equal - depends on what the SAT is doing as you know, but climbing over - nope- concur for all the reasons given.
This brings up the issue of obtaining clearance from the oceanic controller and the FANS-1 item someone raised earlier, (ADS-B and CPDLC)...I don't think the area he was in is ADS-equipped yet, is it? If so, that telemetry would be of use, of course and I would expect that data to be captured now. I recall using both ADS and CPDLC on the Pacific as early as 2005 (or '6) and it worked for beautifully for weather diversions and altitude changes...quick, and painless unlike the HF.