Irrespective of whether you have a valid point or not, the most alarming thing in your post that I read was
My reluctance to do so the other night, just to make a point
Are you a professional, or not?
Next time you want to take issue with an operating procedure etc, go through the correct channel - your airline will have an ATC rep/contact. You can even CHIRP it because if it makes your blood boil, are you really in a safe frame of mind to fly, or will you be distracted?
Refusing to do something that is a stipulated requirement just to make a point, is petty, pathetic and totally unprofessional, especially when it affects other people (the GMC in this instance).