Originally Posted by misd
In the second case his technique is an efficient way to run the a/c(not for a 2000' descent but as a general technique). Nothing dumber than seeing guys descend well before TOD, especially with a tailwind.
I assume you meant
'headwind' although of course TOD is TOD is TOD regardless of wind!
In ICAO land you ARE required to intitiate descent and not to 'wait' unless told 'when ready' as stby said regardless of any VNAV path (and 500 is enough, although ATC prefer 1000)