Hmm been following this and here’s what I think for what it’s worth…
To illustrate…
A while back I had a gear problem – as it turned out not just a dodgy light or microswitch (like it normally is when you get the two greens).
At no time during all the “is it down yet?” flybys or the “good-oh... I’ll have a go then" bit I hadn’t declared even so much as a P in pan let alone anything else – I guess it was apparent that things were a little iffy and ATC decided to roll trucks In their opinion they thought I might want them and had other stuff on my mind at the time I would have asked. (not to mention it may very well be SOPs for dodgy gear light time)
Did I need the trucks? No …
Did I ask for them? No …
Could I have needed them? Yes
Was I happy to see them? TOO BL00DY RIGHT!!
(and I don’t care who asked for them…)