While we have some of you chaps from our Air Traffic Service Unit, can you explain to me why we need to be separated both horizontally and vertically from virtually ALL traffic. Is it just a case of "to be sure, to be sure".
Don't get me wrong I do sympathise with you regarding some of the dumber rules our regulator thrusts upon you.
Finally did I mention that the airlines and aircraft are actually the customers for your service and it would seem reasonable to be allowed to make the odd request.