Blimey G-SPOTs, what do you do if the MSA on your left is 18000ft and the aircraft insists on turning that way? I guess you disconnect the AP and revert to two parallel single-pilot cockpits then.
It seems to me (and I've heard it from many controllers) that in today's multiple parallel-track environment, any turn could cause real problems for ATC - at least if the default is no-turns then they know which direction you're going to go in the immediate future.
On the subject of 7700, I'm sure most operators specify setting 7700 in the ECL as either a Memory Action or a Subsequent Action in the Drill. But obviously not everyone does it or the Authority wouldn't be asking.