I agree that we should keep pilots informed of possible descent rates. If R/T time permits i tend to use "Descend FL280, expect FL200 10nm before MONTY". Helps keep everyone in the know, and even helps me, as if i forget to descend an a/c, i often have pilots remind me that they request descent if they are to make that restriction.
I really don't understand this us and them attitude. I never seem to see it at work, from either pilots or air traffic, just on this web site!