mmmm, again!
Personally, I don't have any problems with headings, certainly after the initial segment of the SID has been flown in NAV. Frequently it means early hi speeds and higher levels, early on in the piece, which means generally, on my routes, being handed over to Maaaaarstricht(sp) at initial cruise level and then getting a humungous direct CDA.
For the Bus, popping out of NAV and into OPEN DESC etc is no big deal in the descent, more of an irritation really, since it appears we just mirror the SID, give or take a mile...LHR DIRECTOR..I have assimilated your comments and will comply btw, but after a 14 hr sector, in ice and a TCAS RA, its slightly more comforting to remain in NAV!!!
ATC visits: hows about a dedicated day per month for an open visit to Swanwick???