We were limited to FL 240 for 100NM when we had flight planned at FL380. So how is that keeping to the flight plan?
So, you received a long step climb, so what?
You're certainly not the only airplane in the sky at that particular moment, others share the airspace as well....so get used to it.
Oh, boo hoo...
Years ago, BA was enroute over Iran, restricted to FL240 due to traffic.
BA complained, said they had to land if a higher level was not available.
Tehran ATC mentioned the fuel price at THR, and issued descent instructions.
BA declined...and shut up.
Pilots will just have to learn to plan for contingencies, instead of always expecting short cuts/direct routings/higher levels.
To do otherwise is unprofessional...seemingly the norm these days in Euroland, from some of the complaints noted here.