Spanish ATC "Work to rule"

[Kiltie]

WCF I am a failed controller who became a pilot instead. Controllers I expect will feel insulted being referred to as failed pilots.

I have never and will never ask for directs and instead wait until I am offered. Only the controller(s) know the full picture with regard to traffic separation. I applaud controllers who deny expectant pilots direct routings. It is their decision and their's alone; neither should they have to explain their reasons.

However, I would expect a polite explanation if a controller intentionally deviated us from our flight planned route to a waypoint that we hadn't planned.