Bus Driver Man
I don't disagree with you.
When I wrote my reply I was under the impression descent had been given before the STAR. Maybe it was the other way around with just the STAR issued first and descent clearance later. baobab72 can you clarify?
Regarding the approach clearance, if I didn't want the aircraft to descend until passed a particular point for separation etc, I was taught to use "Cleared ILS approach, Maintain (separation level) until (an appropriate fix)" or "Intercept the Localizer and Maintain (separation level)" and when clear of the traffic "Cleared ILS approach" (not forgetting the descent profile).