Originally Posted by I-FORD
I've also being taught not to rely on ATCOs to decide my flight path, my minima, my obstacle clearance.
It is not their job,
Sorry - but that IS an ATC job if you're IFR and if they're not doing that, and, as 738 says, descending you below MSA then there's some serious problems with the provision of service and competency of the ATCO concerned.