Keef,
Just got back from a long trip with another PPRuNer, and the service we got from the ATC units along the way was excellent (apart from Solent, who were very busy and understandably asked us to stay outside their zone).
You must have been flying with EVO then
Seriously though, I have nothing but praise for all the ATCOs I've encountered over the past 3 years. Particularly Farnbro' who I talk to every time I go flying, and whose tower I was fortunate enough to visit earlier this year. (maybe I'm just lucky)
At this stage I guess what I expect from ATSUs is - tolerance!
SD