Thanks Fuji,
What I meant by "effectively VFR" was that I am flying by reference to VRP's / ground points, (although in reality with GPS backed up by instruments) and therefore my route does not include instrument reporting points. TBH, I don't mind if I enter IMC. The point I was making really was that if I accept a transit above the transition altitude, is it more likely to be given (because there may be few, if any VRP's / towns etc.) by vectors or route via XXXXX and XXXXX ?
I think you've answered the question though - I ask for transit on current heading or with vectors.
ta.