Giles:
Line and Wait is much better than position and hold. We do use much US lingo that is terrible, but bizarre or unsafe? LAHSO is useful for some airports at moving more tin, but a number of operators refuse it. "Moving tin" is the operational motto of ATC, we still only have slots at a few airports. I can file a flight plan Hartford to Greensboro, NC through the Northeast region and get a clearance in 10 minutes. True, we have only one country to worry 'bout.
I don't understand "number 9, cleared to land" either. Trying to figure out what the point is? OTOH, I don't find it unsafe, if the guy ahead doesn't make the turn-off, I'm going around! Chicago IS bizarre and earns its rep everyday.