It gives the impression that the controllers can't keep up with what everyone in the circuit is doing.
Whats the problem...the way I see it is if you are "cleared for the option" then the controller has spare capacity and is not over worked. I would say that when cleared for the option, it is safer as the controller may expect you to either full stop, touch and go, or go around. If you are cleared to land but end up going around you may take the controller by surprise.
I can't see a problem with being cleared for the option not being no.1 (and have been many times). If the guy in front is landing, then you will not land / t&g until he's vacated the runway anyway, if you are intending to make a touch and go, but mess it up and make a full stop landing, the guy behind can't land till you're out of the way anyway.....same as always, good airmanship.
Cheers
EA
