Bose-X, I can't agree with your last. A pilot is perfectly entitled to request whatever service he wishes. It's up to the ATCO to decide whether he can provide any type of service, or not. If not, all he has to do is refuse the request, or offer a different service.
Exactly my point. A pilot can ask for any service they wish.
Claiming to be IFR in VFR conditions as an excuse to get a 'better' service or 'more attention' is reprehensible in my humble opinion.
But hey it's just my 2 cents.