JC - file a CHIRP report. I should have thought of that sooner.
FF - the GLAA (Gary Lager Aviation Authority) advises it's pilot (guess who) never to assume that a cleared level
anywhere in the world is safe.
Never assume, check!
I say keep all departures and arrivals procedural. That way we only have ourselves to blame
I say that's a
bit harsh (sarcasm, possibly?) - ATC do a superb job and provide, in the UK and some parts of Europe at least, an excellent service.
But that's all it is, a
service - designed to improve Air Navigation Safety, and help us operate more efficiently. As long as we pilots realise that, we shouldn't fall into the trap of ignoring its limitations.