I find it sad to read the negativity and complete lack of operational knowledge churned out in this thread.
It is almost a glee to want to see airlines fail!!! and a jumping in at any suggestion which might help improve things rather than a positive encouragement.
As to a few posters who question how ATC will ever manage aircraft requesting level changes or direction changes to avoid with only 50 odd miles warning!
Please come up with me over the London area with a decent active cold front and you will be amazed at the amount of level changes and heading change requests you will hear called for and approved.
Pace