Beagler, the word 'professionalism' has come to mean other than 'earns living from task'. It is a sign of respect and is entirely subjective. Which means that if an opinion on your 'professionalism' comes from a peer or colleague who's views you yourself respect, it is a great compliment. If on the other hand it comes from a complete to**er like HP then just stifle the yawn and carry on with life.
As for radio chatter - I spent 25 years in the military doing it. Here are a few personal observations based on the thread so far:
1. Private Pilots don't get the hours that flight crews get, so their R/T is never going to be as fluid or as full of current slang. 'G'dday' as a signoff is one of my favourites!
2. When your workload is high, it's difficult to tell someone where you are, AND where you're heading, AND your height/altitude. The odd ums and ahs are bound to creep in if you're out of practice.
3. 124.6 London FIR covers a huge area and I have listened to controllers chattering away to a callsign I couldn't hear at the other end of the country. Hardly surprising then that some of us start transmitting apparently without checking first. I came through Cranfield the other day and was asked to report overhead the Henton beacon heading north to their overhead. I couldn't get a word in edgeways, and by the time I did, I was already through their zone and well out the other side!
4. Finally, if you are stuck, forget the 'procedure' bit and just talk to the guy. I's OK to tell him you're having difficulty mainataining VMC dodging Cu-Nims - he/she is only human and will probably be delighted to help you out. Mostly. Unless its ***on Zone in which case you're on your own......