This problem you encountered is why it is so important for controllers to be able to ride jumpseat with you guys so that we can see what problems some of our instructions may cause you.
Another thing you might consider is visiting New York Center and talk with the controllers over in the oceananic sector and discussing some of these issues.
NATCA (the controllers union) in conjunction with the ALPA holds an annual Communicating for SAFETY conference that would be an awesome venue for you to discuss this. You can get more information on this on
www.natca.org