Stilldarkandhungry
I'm sorry but how do you know that the controller in question does not understand the book? You are making an assumption. What is factual is that the book says that you MUST confirm the A/C cleared level if it is not stated in the first call. You are not given the option of choosing. Vital safety or total waste of time you MUST follow the procedure until the procedure is changed. Failing to do so is failing to do your job properly (however pointless or irksome it may seem).
None of the above should be seen as an endorsement of the futile, pointless, contradictory and downright stupid procedures in our book nor should you think that I disagree with your sentiments but you cannot criticise a collegue for controlling according to the rules.