DD - quite right, it's not hard to follow ATC requirements in a 330. A good gate is a10000 at about 40 NM, and slowing to 250kts. (EK REQUIREMENT of 250 Kts BELOW 5000 AAL)
Anyway, what's wrong with the "chicken lever"??????
And just to edit to say we should be flying CDA's - or CONTINUAL DESCENT APPROACHS - saves fuel, makes less noise and is better energy management... Besides, it's a requirement into UK airports so why not do it at homebase?