I apologise for the stab @ aussie, it just strikes a nerve when generalisations are made, having said that, when it can be heard that the frequency is overloaded, please do NOT ask for direct routings etc!
Reference AD not being able to handle the F1. With antiquated procedures, absence of flow control and the scheduling practices of our middle eastern carriers, everyday's traffic takes one to the operational limit. Add just a few extra planes and non-regional pilots etc. and VERY quickly it all goes to the dogs, simple really.
'69