Personally if OCAS I think it is helpful to all concerned to comment why you want a RIS if the controller is obviously busy with lots of VFR traffic.
For example, I am IMC or the viz into the sun is dreadful.
This is particularly true at weekends when the airspace can be very busy and the controllers are obviously stretched. Equally, during the week at times it becomes irrelevant - hardly anyone is flying and the controller is bored to death.
As usual a healthy does of common sense helps all concerned.
But hey it's just my 2 cents.
Bose - you migrated to the other side?