Sad but true, there was a time when ATC were there to carry out a pilots 'request' (demand really). But those days have long gone. Now, one has to bend to the whim of a jumped up, power crazed not too sharp eyed (give current ATC reports of the new system) bolshie controller, who has no idea of the hassle placed before the aviators of today. OK, not all of them are in the same boat and they do a great job. But please, all you pen pushing rubber desk jonnies out there.....let us get on with the job at hand.............namely flying! Without us you don’t even have a job!.