On the point of giving headings rather than allowing the pilot to fly direct to the VOR, I have to say controllers generally work to the lowest common denominator.
That being that while most pilots under their own nav will hold a steady course there are some that get the wobbles. Whether that is due to scalloping on the edge of the VOR range and the aircraft nav being at fault, or whether it is a pilot problem is irrelevant. It is much safer and gives you peace of mind if both guys 6 NM abeam each other are locked on headings.
One point that I have to say though is I have seen ATC's who have as an example a low overflyer at say FL150 and a departing aircraft passing 8,000ft climbing through the other aircrafts level both locked on the same heading and then scratch their head when they look up to see the aircraft converging, and bag the pilots. Seems they forgot the winds can be very different when 7,000 ft apart.