Rule 3, you make an excellent point and one which is often neglected by some crews.
Its very easy for a busy controller to say 'Yes' to a question where you supply all the information, without getting the controller to think. For example ATC clear you to FL230 and you readback correctly, several seconds/minutes later crew require the cleared level to be confirmed. Theres no point saying 'can you confirm XXX is cleared to FL230' because its human nature to say 'Yes' straight away especially when under stress.
Instead don't put the level you thought of in the phrase, simply ask 'can you confirm the cleared level' this way you make the controller actually think about his instruction rather than putting words in his mouth.
The root of this particular topic concerns the use of 'Leading Questions' which in general are best avoided in the cockpit when challenging other crew members on specific data.... easier said then done... i know!
Sorry if it sounds like a CAP413 lesson! Just thought that its worth elaborating on Rule 3's point earlier.... ill stop now!
Aka.