Hi Genghis, the fact that you requested "traffic service" imparts to the controller that you consider that you have sufficient visual reference to be able to operate on the "see-and-avoid" principle when traffic information is given; if the conditions were such that this was not possible then a "deconfliction service" might have been more appropriate. Controllers are specifically advised not to offer or provide a service beyond that requested by the pilot so that the descriptive boundaries of each type of service do not become blurred......the exception being a clear and present risk [such as collision]. I think your post is a good read....thank you for that......but actually you have virtually answered all the points yourself! If you need a better description of services look up CAP 774.
rgds.