My post was to be something like BFL's above.
In the seven years that I've been flying I have not had a bad experience from any ATCO in both the UK, Ireland, France, Channel Islands, California, Nevada, Arizona, Florida, I think you get the picture...
But I expect this is topic is concerned with ATCO's in the UK. Well they'll get my vote any day of the week.
Especially that I've *never* been refused access to airspace for transits etc... Even Birmingham and Solent have been very obliging. Lynham are always fantastic as is any other military field in this country. Not to mention my home base Cardiff. They are extremely helpful.
It probably helps gaining a zone transit clearance near enough immediately if you sound as if you know what you're doing *and* ask the controller after they have been trying to identify the position of the previous traffic... they seem to appreciate a proper radio call after the babling of the previous pilot.
Besides the pilots and air traffic guys and girls at my home base seem to socialise together.
Best wishes,
Charlie Zulu.