Never assume; because it makes an "ass out of u and me"
I have over 12,000 hours, 95 % of that in international operations. I have only once, experienced a "clearance limit" point, and that was in Amsterdam and the ATCO told me that was the CLP. Maybe for some airports, it is a common occurance, but for a GREAT number of folks, entering a hold automatically with no direction, is fairly rare.
I don't want to get into a bashing of certain countries procedures, but, IMO, the Brits seem to make things a little more complicated than I think they need to be.
I f certain airports have certain procedures that are out of the norm, they ought to make sure that the procedures are brought to light somehow. Some folks are so locked into their own little world, they think that is a perfectly normal scenario, when in actuality, its not so.
Not everyone flying into a busy environment is alert and awake, many have been on duty for 18 hours, keeping procedures simple will go a long way in making sure procedures are followed.
I don't think I have ever been into LHR, but i will be on my toes.
Let the fodder fly!!!!!!!!!