Scroggs - very interesting post. Although we don't see A340s doing long haul out of my airport, I'm sure the folk who fly B737s, B757s, E145s and various smaller 'buses to /from us have equally valuable operational issues that they could pass on to ATC, who may be blissfully ignorant of them.
I heartily echo the views of 250kts and BOAC re. pilot/ATC contact - we need more of it, as an industry. I know it's difficult with max. rostered hours/SRATCOH duty time etc but it's got to be the only way to understand each others' jobs, responsibilities and issues and improve the overall safety- and service levels for all, long-term. Thanks again.