BOAC - I don't mind extended vectors, provided that 2 seconds is taken to tell us that it will be just that. But, I do think director could help us by leaving each jet at say FL70 until the 21 mile point (stay out of the bumps for the peeps, keep a lower noise profile), or (as I have heard only a few times) - Descend your discretion 4000' etc. Agree with your point about early speed reduction. Having gear down from 14 miles at 160kt/3000' eats fuel.
CCC...ough