Spitoon,
As an "ex" tower controller myself, I was also a bit surprised, both at the lack of ATC instructions in the circuit, and the CHIRP response. However, it did take place outside the UK which might have influenced their comment (because of jurisdiction, not logic
).
When the incident happened I had been on the point of asking ATC for instructions, but then decided to make sure I was *safe* first. My reaction was that *I* had done something wrong, but on later reflection I couldn't really see what.
I think it is much the same for GJB, who started the thread.