2. If given direct to a point not on the filed route, ask for further routing as you approach.
I think it's better to ask ATC what you can expect after the point that's not on your route before actually going there.
As stated earlier, we might have a different flight plan than you have, taking you a totally different way. So when we then give you the best direct according to the plan we have, it might actually be quite a way off of your plan.