On a slight aside, but one advantage of routing (long routes) via airfields or VOR etc. is that you can explain quickly and easily to ATC your intentions. Equally, by flying directly through the overhead you should be completely clear of all the local traffic (who will be either just on or just off the tarmac).
If they have a clear idea of where you are going, quickly and concisely, then the safety level has already risen considerably.
Explaining that you are going via a point "approximately 25nm to the NW of Toytown Intl" is only going to lead to confusion... Even worse if you actually rattle a pile of lat/longs at the poor guy!
Safe flights! Sam.