I had to declare a pan at Brussels International last year, due to a potential unsafe gear.
They were absolutely brilliant in handling us. The gear held and my GF got a cup of coffee from the customs officers once parked at the GA terminal!
Surely the "controller" has long been sacked at XXX. This must be the exception that confirms the rule, just think of the blind pilot last week.
ATC may sometimes be a pain in the neck to VFR flights but dear God are they good to have when you need them!