You are correct, but in defence of others, that "Initial contact with approach with callsign only" request, is only ever made at LHR. Nowhere I have ever been, all round the world, does ATC made that request except at LHR going to 126.9. It is a UK thing.
Also on the ATIS of SPL Approach if i'm not mistaken, and while I'm at it...really annoing to have (UK-)operators checking in with their whole lifestory (Speed, Heading, QNH, FL, FL cleared to, Acft type) during an inbound-rush. I really only need your heading and speed, and only if assigned by the previous controller.