I'm not entirely positive about this, but I believe that our systems and rules are very similar. Here in New Zealand, ATC will give you an altitude to descend to, and will say "No speed restriction" if the 250 kts below 10'000ft does not need to be followed. If the do not say "No speed", then the not above 250 kts below 10'000ft rule applies. They can ask you what the fastest speed you can give them to a 4 mile final is, you nominate a speed, then you are expected to fly that speed. Inside 4 miles, they cannot dictate, or ask you to fly any speed, it is up to you to configure and stabilise the approach. But never fly a speed that is not comfortable for you. When I did my Instrument rating test flight a few years ago, in an Aztec, I flew at about 100kts on the ILS. I could have done 150 or 160, but why? I would not have been comfortable, and at the end of the day, it's not a race. The idea is to get there safely, and if 100kts is safe for someone, then ATC will just adjust the spacing to account for that. I'm sure you did not want a lecture or sermon, just dipping my oar into the conversation.
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To an F16 with engine trouble, "You're number 2 behind the B52 with one engine shut down." Reply "Oh no, not the dreaded 7 engine approach!"