Intention, believe me, is not to shame anyone! Am just curious as to whether or not this is a common practice (that I have clearly missed in 24 years of flying!). Don't think it was ATCO error, he knew that he had cleared us both to the same level and point and he stated that he intended to drop the preceeding a/c shortly. It just sits somewhat uncomfortably with me....we all speak of 'the holes in the swiss cheese lining up' - is this one that we don't need to line up?