It's as if pilots believe ATCOs rejoice in not providing the shortest possible track the circumstances permit
No but I am sure than many will agree when I say certain European countries have controllers that always leave you at the upper level in their sector until you call before passing you to the sector above for higher.
eg
ABC123 climb FL180 report your requested level
ABC123 reports requesting FL380 climbs to FL180 and levels.
After a while and no traffic in sight, ABC123 reports level at FL180
ABC123 contact xxxxx on 134575
New frequency - ABC123 climb FL260 report your requested level
ABC123 reports requesting FL380 climbs to FL260 and levels
After a while and no traffic in sight, ABC123 reports level at FL260
ABC123 contact xxxxx on 134575
So now we make the very anoying call of ABC123 passing FL150 for FL180 in the hope that sometimes the controller will wake up and transfer us to the sector above before we have to reduce our climb or level off where there is no traffic.
The other bit of anoying R/T is being stepped up in 1000ft incriments (which of course we do at a rate of 1000ft per minute or less) and being told that if you can expedite the climb you can get a direct. Feel like saying well if you give me a climb that I can expedite (4 to 6000ft per minute possible) then you we will both get what we want.
