Thanks for all the replies.
My orginal posting was not to comment on BSAs etc (though relevant for debate maybe) but the occasional descent constraints which are announced very late such that we have to resort to more extreme measures to make same. Of course if you cannot make it you say so. We try our best whenever we can but when we are rocketing down at 5,000 fpm with the speedbrake out its not very pleasant for all concerned and with all the emphasis (rightly) on level busts this might be another hole in the swiss cheese model.
055166k, your points about less training and lack of famil flights is well appreciated. I think it is essential that pilots see your side of the job and also that ATC come and see our side but this seems to be less common.