Grumpy,
We're on different aircraft, but am I right in saying that below VCL you are limited to 15Deg angle of bank? As all turns have to be rate 1, havent you put yourself in the position where you can't comply with that requirement?
As to the speed brake (and indeed your whole post), I think the implication being put to you is "There is more than one way to skin a cat", being "grumpy" because someone doesn't always do it your way is counter-productive. Why not use it as an opertunity to share your obvious extensive knowledge? Many people DON'T have an instinctive appreciation of profile and many environments (Europe particularly) don't give much chance to learn it.