From a helicopter pilots perspective, in Afghanistan and other areas where there is alot of traffic in a small area, being verbose on the radio causes huge problems.
If everyone (USA, UK, UAE, Civillian) uses the same calls and procedures, traffic flows very well. It only takes one person to deviate, and all bets are off.
As aviators we all know well how long a certain call takes to make, and if the controller plays the game as well...things can be very slick.
Trying to get through Heathrow as a helicopter crossing 2 active runways requires timing and accuracy to get the correct radio call in!
The other maxim I suppose is that common sense should prevail! But when you are a new guy, use the handrail (Standard Op Procedures) provided!
Ralph