Just to add to Mike's post, 18 out of 19 transits approved isn't too bad.
Solent do seem to have unfairly acquired a "reputation". Unjustified IMHO, as I have had exactly the same experince as Mike, many crossings, very few refusals and all in good time.
It does seem to me that when CTR transit requests are declined there are a FEW pilots who take it as a personal insult and make sure that all and sundry are aware of their displeasure. The majority (incl me) who regularly get crossings (VFR) don't speak up enough, I reckon.
Please bear in mind that even though the freq (120.22) is busy at weekends, you aren't hearing ALL of Solents Traffic. There is much more that you won't be aware of. Frequency 128.85 is also in use for Southampton IFR deps and arrivals. (pls note it's ONLY for their use, crossing tfc should still use 120.22)
Oh, BTW did i read that Solent RADAR (Primary) is off for maint at mo?
rgds
BEX