Genghis the Engineer
I think it was the generalisation:
I do what ATC asks me to ONLY when it co-incides with my own interests.
Your interests may be a straight-in approach. ATC issue instructions and advice to achieve a safe orderly and expeditious flow of air traffic. The pilot can request what he wants, but if it is not possible for ATC to accomodate that request then the pilot either follows the instructions he's given or remains outside the ATZ or CAS.
surely you don't think any qualified ATCO is going to issue any instruction if they consider it likely to either endanger the aircraft or breach the ANO?