The service provided by ATC is one I use every working day. In general I'm very pleased with the service provided and generally we can work out why things are done in a certain way. From a users point of view it is clear that there are major differences in the way capacity is managed around Europe (like the Italian "Cleared to land, number five", the Norwegian 300nm direct or the constant headings from London). But none of the tactics, methods and procedures for maximising airspace usage are really mentioned in the AIP's. Instead, they mention rather a large number of restrictions, not-possibles or prohibiteds. So I thought I'd ask after 20 years of wondering. We don't have the BIG picture and only a single pair of ears we so don't get to know about the traffic (which also means you are doing your job) which justifies your policies. This is why my questions appear to be very selfish, sorry.
Thanks for answers so far - but do I want really to enter the lion's den?
PM