The VFR holding is probably a result of getting exact vectors from TD that mirror the published procedure withing RNP tolerances, followed by speed restrictions in 10 kt intervals every 30 seconds.
I've said it before and I'll say it again; A good controller is the one which intervenes ONLY when required, issuing instructions when needed and making sure they are top quality. We have a few here in HKG, but sad to say, they are of the gweilo type - or at least they sound that way.
The local controllers do an incredible job maintaining the train on the tracks with all the effort they put into making life hard for themselves at the same time - the frequency sometimes sounds busier than O'Hare during rush hour. It is amazing how much ATC tries to micromanage the aircraft here.
You guys know that we can get ourselves to the runway, right? You really should travel more in our cockpits, you really need to hear how much harder you are making it on yourselves. Keep in mind, we are not sitting there waiting for your instructions. We are juggling our duties while at the same time talking to you.