So it's verbose. So what?
As a pilot and an ATCO, I would expect that no-one proceed beyond a runway holding point (whether or not that runway is active) without a specific clearance to do so (at airfields where ATC is used). Who are you to decide whether or not it's safe to cross a runway which you 'know' is not in use? If you 'know' it's not in use and it's an unnecessary check, why is it SOP for most crews to select wing strobes on whenever on or crossing ANY runway? The fail-safe position is as it is now.
Whay not clear taxying aircraft to the intermediate holding point and then give further clearance to cross as they approach? For crews who are unfamiliar with the airfield (such as me..) it would reduce the cockpit workload and reduce the possibility of confusion. In terms of R/T loading, two short transmissions are not that much worse than one long one which might require clarification.