PPRuNE, you miss the point:
You write: "True, in which case maybe we should be asking the pilot to confirm he will be remaining outside ... which is a request for information, not an instruction. That said, how can I instruct you to join if you are in Class G as I can't give you any Air Traffic Control instructions by your reckoning ??"
You are assuming that every time aircraft call you they are going to ask to enter your controlled airspace! If you are (for example) flying 20 miles west of BOH and just giving them a courtesy call, you might still get the "Remain outside controlled airspace. Stand By" response, when you have no intention whatsoever of going into CA and all you are doing is trying to let them know who you are and what you are doing.
Of course, if Bournemouth ATS are happy to have aircraft overfly (above CA) or pass close to their general area without these aircraft making any call, OK. But I think they'd rather know what was going on.
Or there are occasions one might already be IN controlled airspace, and you are calling BOH for some reason unconnected to your immediate flight, such as asking when you are closing tonight.
There is no point in being pompous and saying that 1) most times the first isn't happening, and 2) you should call by telephone to find out closing time, etc., because although you may be right, the fact is, there is a percentage of times when being told "Remain outside controlled airspace" is totally inappropriate, hacks you off, and the more it happens the more it hacks you off!
How many other instructions do ATC give that can be totally inappropriate?
This is a thread about "pet hates"! The fact that a few posters have mentioned it shows that it does qualfy as a pet hate.
By the way, Brize is a greater offender than Bournemouth. I use these examples only because I am pretty familiar with them. Other ATSs may be even worse.
RB