The example is from Leeds Bradford, who rarely allow people through if they're not a) inbound or b) training from Multiflight. People from our side tend to hop around, getting close to Emley Moor mast or a large detour to the north.
When in IMC, you don't want to be any where near those big masts, or near high ground - so direct to POL is really the only option if going to the West.
Only recently did I attempt a transit IFR (I was planning on VFR and thought, I'm gonna try for DCT to pole hill VOR, IFR). On my return from my destination, I came back VFR and was told to stay outside controlled airspace.