Outside of controlled airspace it’s entirely your choice who - if anyone - you talk to. Often if the station you call thinks there is someone more appropriate they will suggest that, on occasion in any event they will suggest who the next station to call should be. But it’s always your choice.
With your lowish hours have you thought about trying to visit Your local ATC (Farnborough ?) and seeing how they actually go about controlling ? I found a visit like this fascinating and illuminating