To add to the point, the LOREL 2M arrival specifically provides for flights at FL80 or below.
Not a good situation to design a STAR for a level that puts aircraft on that STAR straight into the teeth of departures and mucks up standing agreements.
Though I hate to admit it to someone with such sharp teeth as yours, DFC
, I'm a little embarrassed that I didn't see and comment on the LOREL2M. If it's there specifically for arrivals at or below FL80, it seems absurd that it cannot be used. Should it be withdrawn.
I wonder what the delay would have been if you were unable to accept FL90 on the day or what would happen with a Radio Failure situation?
On the day, that was easy. My flight originated outside controlled airspace. Clearance to join controlled airspace was at FL90. The option was to accept it, or route outside controlled airspace (which was feasible but potentially less comfortable) to my destination.
Nevertheless, I agree that clearances must be flyable, and where a FPL route implicitly makes up part of such a clearance, the same applies.