I appreciate your analysis.
As stated, I usually select the metric function (in Russia and CIS nations) on my altimeter and put the QFE in the window. I then fly QFE approaches and ATC is giving me descent clearances based on QFE altitudes. For example, Moscow says for me to maintain 500 meters and intercept the localizer from a 90 degree angle...you know the usual.
The issue was that I was unable to put such a low QFE (933) in my altimeter window)...thus when the controller gave me the option of a QNH approach...I took it. The controller in Almaty gave me the QNH of 1012 and told me to descend to 1600m and later on a descent to 1300m...just like you said Dave Clarke Fife.
Dave Clark Fife: Do you think it is OK to keep my altimeter in the meters mode and have a QNH in the window? Or is it better in your opinion to keep the altimeter in its "normal" mode of reading feet with a QNH setting and then see what 1600m and 1300m equates to in feet and then descend to that particualr value with feet shown on the altimeter?