Maybe the extended readbacks in Lax are a result of Europeans experiences in LAX. I have had 2 near-misses and 10 TCAS RAs operating into LAX in 5 years all caused by gash operators. Half have been some bloody puddle-jumper trying to formate on my wing on finals to give their pax a view.
P.S. Considering the majority of worldwide accidents are CFIT, I think altimeter readbacks are a great idea (and SHOULD be checked by US ATC!!)