P3 - there's no explanation for the use of QFE under those circumstances.
We (I'm a controller) should be expected to be able to work out the difference between RPS/SAS and QFE without being so lazy as to stick everything on one pressure. The only thing I can think of at that kind of distance was proximity to the unit's terrain safe level, which is based on QFE. Still no excuse though. Unless it's a local procedure of some kind, I can't speak for every unit of course. If anything it's easier to have non overhead transiting traffic on RPS/SAS because everything out and about would be using that pressure rather than a specific unit's QFE anyway. Circuit traffic and inbound traffic - QFE. Everything else - be flexible, from my point of view.