Likewise, in the time honoured fashion of good PPrune debates we work through the issues until either reaching completely common ground, or agreeing to disagree. In this case, mostly the former.
CM - I've not at any point said that I had a problem with any ATC service, as it happens I grew up with military ATC and came to civil flying slightly later in life. If Brize want me at 1704 ft that's fine by me, so long as they don't mind my explaining politely that I'd be better at 1635½ ft - they have their problems and if giving slightly restrictive clearances to me ease those (or give me a permission I wouldn't otherwise have got) that's just fine.
Incidedentally, you said that there are published criteria as to under what circumstances a RAS will, or won't, be granted. Where would I find those? - it would be worth knowing for en-route planning.
Weren't we talking about approaches and joins at some point?
G