Always the first option.
As Plithy says, let the a/c stay as high as possible for as long as possible, and ask the crew to slow down to the speed you need. If that speed is below max finesse for the aircraft, they will (or at least should) let you know pretty smartly.
Holding at low and medium level is to be avoided as far as practical.
Last edited by Trim Stab; 13th Dec 2012 at 07:25.