How can you know which is the standard and non standard cruise level allocation of the airspace you're flying through???
I mean... in Italy we use a north/south system instead of the common one (east/west bound).
I can say that quadrantal level system are used only for cruise. During climb/descend phases (expecially in terminal area, approaching or leaving the airport) any level, if available, is good to be assigned!
Anyway, in Italy no TMAs above FL195 where all airspace is classified C.