I think the inconsistencies in service can sometimes come down to which controller is on. I fly with Solent Flight and when we used to be at Southampton there were some controllers who would orchestrate things superbly, slipping us GA in between the bigger boys, whilst other controllers would leave you orbiting for ages because they have an aircraft on 10 mile final. Perhaps they have been bitten in the past and they are now over cautious.
One particular controller at Solent is extremely helpful and I think rather amusing. I'm told he holds a PPL/IR which probably goes some way to explain why he's so helpful, Simon keep up the good work!
SW