triadic was correct when he remembered the matter of inbound calls being discussed at various RAPAC meetings. I recall it being discussed about 1995 or 1996.
At the time there was considerable chest beating from the IFR fraternity at the requirement to actually look outside the windows when in VMC. You should have heard the bleating and moaning.
Communication is all about clear and concise information, the less opportunity for misinterpretation, the less opportunity for error.
It matters not whether it is quadrant/distance or relative to a known geograhic point, just as long as everyone knows and understands your intentions.
I prefer Guides m'self
Disco