As far as I am concerned routeing aircraft direct to a centre fix is not a problem, be it 6 mile final or 12. Any ATCO who bases any form of separation on this aircraft NOT locked on a heading would be damn silly. In reality roueting these aircraft to this "generic" spot in space is no less hazardous than sending them to a reporting point outside your area of responsibilty as the difference between a 6 mile final and 12 mile final will result in virtually identical headings. I often use direct cfix R24 right at manch when it is quiet, this to me seems to be the most expeditious route that can be offered for all parties concerned. The reason your A319 may have been a little puzzled is only because it isn't offered as a matter of course except late at night. Hope this helps NsR