I truly believe that the problem lies with the word "cleared" you seek so badly. By some, cleared for "approach" relieves you of any speed and altitude limits issued before. Should this not be the case intended, the best practice by ATC is NOT to issue such clearance. If they do not inted to let us perform loops and barrel rolls, they don't clear us but issue instructions instead. We all visitors may miss the word, perhaps, but it removes the possible ambiguity they fear. Keep us all happy, not lucky.
Pass your message,
FD
(the un-real)