Since when in Gods name do you "request" a deviation which if not done will take the bloody wings of? [sic]
If you leave your call that late that not getting an immediate deviation will "take the bloody wings off" - then, yes, I am surprised you have survived 56 years.
You should be planning you track far enough ahead to allow for ATC coordination.
one of the things I noticed moving from Australia to Europe:
"Request 20 left for weather."
In Aus this meant "20 miles to the left" (procedural control). In Europe it means "20º to the left." (radar control) - caused a bit of confusion on my first wx encounter here.
