Chilli,
I think you might be being a little hard on David. I can certainly see why there would be mounting tention in a cockpit. If you are in unfamiliar terrain, and navigating using those methods taught at the PPL, you are unlikely be able to tell "exactly" where you are, just approximatly. As you approach the controlled airspace, you have to start thinking about when you need to start orbiting. Also you need to start getting your headings and timeing for your diversion around controlled airspace. All the while wondering if the controller has actually forgotten about you. Maybe tention was the wrong word, but workload has certainly increased.
I think David was also suggesting 'request zone penetration in x mins' instead of 'G-abcd request Matz pentration?'. I think you might have mistook him here.
I imagine that often when a controller tell you to standby, (s)he already knows if he can let you through or not, and just needs a minute to deal with another issue, or perhaps to figure out which way to send you. If am I am correct in this assumption, then a "G-xx remain clear of controlled airspace, and I'll be back to you in a minute with instructions for your transist" or "G-xx continue on heading, and I'll be back to you in a minute with further instructions" would be very helpful. At least you'd know your transit request is going to be approved.
Just a thought.
dp