I'm presuming that you were i/b EGNM? The normal standing agreement is FL330 level EXMOR. This is an S/A to keep you underneath the new high sector, Sector 35.
I can't comment on the traffic levels or mix for your time throught the sectors, but it is very easy to have conflictions at this level and have to get you to a lower level.
The whole reason that this situation has arisen is to fit more traffic through the airspace. EGLLs through STU now come from Shannon at FL330, EGBBs through BHD at FL300 etc etc. Without wishing to start any arguments, FL400 and a very late descent might be great for you but as soon as we make one exception.......
Regards
CF