bookworm I shared my thoughts with you in that thread and stick by them now. I do give the occasional reason for something I do on radar but very rarely. You do not NEED to know my plan, but I MUST know any plans to deviate from the routing given. I am requesting to be told earlier if it is known a deviation is required and what heading is neccessary as yesterday it caused bigger problems than it needed to. Yesterday we managed to shift the traffic very well and safely, not long ago this wasn't possible and the London TMA was told to stop ALL departures going south/east and then given a very restrictive departure rate about 10 minutes later. The delays for departure rose to an incredible amount and LHR nearly got totally stuffed. With a little help from the pointy end then everyone will get where they want much easier.
I hate to use the old over-used comeback but this is why getting visits to the centres and at least asking to be shown how weather affects operations if not actually seeing it for real will increase awareness for the complexity of what we now do. Its a shame that its very difficult for us to reciprocate and wipe some dust off the spare seat up front too but realise that in some cases a benefit would be gained.