Firstly let me respond to Javelin, and his comments.
In reply to: 1) On sector 7, East of Dublin, the level restriction for CC inbounds is FL240 45 before WAL, this is an inter sector standing agreement level with MACC IOM sector. You should receive clearance in plenty time to make this restriction, but it can be difficult with a strong westerly and a few Dublin outbounds underneath. If you are cleared late, this should be co-ordinated with MACC, who should then take account of any further traffic, level or speed restriction problems
. If you do achieve the first restriction you have at least 15NM's to descend a further 4000ft in the ideal world, which this is not.
2) With regards to this point, a lot of the TMA controllers at MACC, but not all, appear not to take a great deal of notice of what goes on outside their own airspace, hence the free speed and subsequent difficulty to make level restrictions. Apologies to those who do look that bit further! but I'm sure most of the people at LACC who interface with MACC will agree this is a problem.
Also, when the level restriction for the LUS sector was brought in, there was a great deal of concern voiced about the a32x and similar performing a/c's ability to make the level and the subsequent workload involved. With regards to this point, the manufacturers and airlines have to accept there own share of responsibility for producing poor performing a/c which whilst being great for economy, are crap for ATC capacity. Therefore, you have to question whether this is good for the airlines overall efficiency as capacity in ATC is, and will continue to be a huge problem. Long live boeing!!!!!!!!!!
With regard to the topic of R/T, laziness is definitely the problem, "descend when ready" or "descend now" end of story and no confusion or queries. However, I would agree that if when ready is not mentioned the the inference is to descend straight away, but how hard is it to say "now".
Oh, and by the way, would certain pilots also start using their callsign's (especially the offenders from across the pond) as it makes our job somewhat difficult when you don't!!
Thank you, rant over!
AREA52