On the clearance topic, I do "Request clearance" if OCTA and approaching the Class C step - too often recently have I had to enter a hold to remain OCTA because ATC have not given me a clearance in time
I had an interesting one yesterday!
Details in the system for an IFR flight in the BE35 from Toowoomba direct Redcliffe at A070 (LSA 5100).
Called Centre taxying Toowoomba and was told:
XXX, BN Centre, code yyyy, call Amberley Approach zzz.zz on departure for clearance
So I called Amberley Appr on departure with a departure call and a request for a clearance, only to be told: Call Clearance Delivery on ***.** for clearance.
So I called Clearance Delivery with a departure call and a request for a clearance.
Them:
XXX, do you intend to decend into Redcliffe OCTA below the control steps
Me:
XXX, ahhhh negative (thinking why the **** would I be on an IFR flightplan if I was gonna descend OCTA below the control area steps)
Them:
XXX, what's your descent point for Redcliffe?
Me:
30 miles Redcliffe
Them:
XXX confirm you wish to track direct Redcliffe across the Brisbane Control Area
Me:
XXX, affirmative
Them:
XXX, cleared present position direct Redcliffe, seven thousand, call Amberley Approach on zzz.zz now
Sheeezh!
Dr 
PS: As it turned out I broke out of the overcast at about 2500' on descent into YRED.