The question is;
Do you really want to NOT read it back?
What if you got it wrong?
The rate is usually for traffic, and often when in mainland europe it will be to maintain exactly 5 miles. The difference between 1000 and 1500 over a 5000foot decent is about one minute- which is between 6-9miles depending on wind etc.
And also the rate is not an average! I have many discussions with flight crews when they fly the average rate. It can be that you need to pass below multiple traffic, so the rate is required to cross all levels.